Too Late!

DEAR FRIENDS,

The words came in the Bible passage we were looking at in Food for Thought one Tuesday last month - in the New Living Translation, which is the one we use there. It is a translation that veers towards being a paraphrase - but many people find it brings the meaning out very clearly and powerfully. The words came in the passage that follows Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, in a royal procession. As he came over the brow of the Mount of Olives, the city of Jerusalem came into view. Pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem from all over the country and even further afield, and no doubt rejoiced when they got their first glimpse of the Holy City. It didn't have that effect on Jesus. It made him weep.

He could see a city that was supposed to be the City of God and yet was determined to reject God. He said, 'How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.' Luke 19:42
Now it is too late! Terrible words, full of regret. There was time to respond but you missed the opportunity. The barrier was open until a moment ago, but now it is closed. No amount of pleading will get it opened again.

In everyday life, how you kick yourself when you are too late for something important! Especially when it is your fault: it wasn't that something stopped you - you just procrastinated and put things off so long that you missed the moment. They'll wait for me. They'll never go without me. They've waited this long - they will wait a bit longer. People think the same is true of God. He's waited this long for me to respond: he'll wait a bit longer. There's still plenty of time. A point will come where it is too late. God will no longer be accessible. The day of opportunity will be gone.

Don't leave it too late to respond to God. Don't put it off for ever! In fact, don't put it off a moment longer!

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Bowen