We recently received an e-mail from our daughter who was traveling back to the U.S. from a trip to Europe. It started "Just in case", and then proceeded with flight information and when she and her husband would be arriving in New York. I didn't want to think of what she meant by "just in case". All is well and they're home, albeit much later than expected because of an air traffic controller strike along the way. I was thinking about how many things we do, "just in case". We've been conditioned to live this way.
Occasionally, when our team goes into the jail to visit the women inmates, we learn that an inmate has recently died in his/her sleep. Somehow the word goes out and many in the jail are aware of what has happened. It's sobering. I often take advantage of this tragedy to talk about 'what if you died tonight, would you be sure you're going to heaven?'
The people who are attending the 'religious service' come to listen to the Word of God. They are trying to find help to turn their lives around and give them a new direction. We again share one of the best known verses in the Bible..."For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16.
Notice there isn't a list of things to do, or not to do, just 'believe'. We often stop there and don't continue reading this powerful passage. "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" - John 3:17. Notice that Jesus came to 'save' not condemn. The next verse in this passage pulls no punches!
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
John 3:18
Notice, the only thing that 'condemns' someone is unbelief. Not our behavior, not our lack of goodness, nothing but unbelief! We can't 'believe' without faith. Faith is a gift. If we have the desire to be set free from condemnation, we need to ask for the gift of faith to believe. This is a profound truth - we wouldn't even be asking if God hadn't already prepared our heart to receive Him as our Lord and Savior. Heaven is real, so is hell. Ask, do this, just in case!
Just In Case....
I keep flip-flops in the car,
just in case I go to the beach.
I keep an umbrella on hand,
just in case it rains.
I cherish a number of friends,
just in case we find time to share.
I leave early,
just in case the traffic is heavy.
I maintain a closet full of jackets,
just in case it gets cold.
I go to the doctor,
just in case I can keep disease away.
I have a stack of books to read,
just in case my day is blessed with spare time.
I use a computer, cell phone and IPod,
just in case my brain becomes too relaxed.
I vote,
just in case I can make a difference.
I write,
just in case someone needs to know.
I believe,
just in case God is real and heaven is perfect!
Thank you Lord that you've made it so easy for those who come to know you personally - just believe! I pray that this simple, uncomplicated message will resonate throughout the world.
