Urgent flurry of wannabe photographers

I recently went to the beach at sunset to snap a few pictures.  Seems like a peaceful endeavor, right?  Wrong.  I arrived at the parking lot to find people running in all directions with cameras, tripods, and baby strollers.  I never imagined such chaos in the midst of a seemingly calm and beautiful event.  Their sense of urgency inspired me to pull into a parking spot with little care, tear open the camera bag, hop out of my car, and run to the waterfront. 

I arrived at the beach at exactly 4:11pm and had time to take about 20 pictures before the sunset a little before 4:20.  In hindsight, without that urgent flurry of wannabe photographers, I probably would’ve waited to hear the end of the song playing on my ipod, lollygagged my way to the beach, and missed the whole thing. 

Sometimes there’s a need for urgency.  Far too many of us lollygag our way through life.  We think we have all the time in the world, no need to rush.  But when in it comes to our mission here on earth, we are in need of some urgency! 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)

We have been asked to go and make disciples.  What does this mean?  It means we are called to go out and share the gift of salvation with people.  So when are we supposed to do this?  According to 2 Corinthians 6:2, “NOW is the time.” 

There is no certainty in the days we have here on earth.  But one thing is certain: Jesus will come back without any warning.  Are there people you know who are not saved?  Have you shared with them how to find salvation?  If not, then we need to grasp the sense of urgency we are called to. 

“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)  Jesus’ return is imminent.  There are two possible ways our lives will come to an end: we will die, or Jesus will return.  One of the two is rapidly approaching.

Don’t be the lollygagger who misses the sunset, or who misses the opportunity to share salvation with the people we encounter.  Not all of us will travel to Africa, China, Latvia, or Korea to be missionaries.  That is OK.  But all of us live in communities with people desperately seeking a better way.  Don’t waste your time because the sun is quickly setting.