The Accepted Time - 2 Corinthians 6:2b

2 Corinthians 6:2b “See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (NRSV) 

            The death of American Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham will no doubt bring back memories for millions of people around the world. Many of them may be thankful for his preaching, words, and books which drew them nearer to God. Others may reflect on a personal conversion experience which was wonderful at the time, but never really took root in their lives. Perhaps they may feel sad at such a disappointment, or maybe they will be re-inspired to try to make that connection with Christ which has been missing from their lives. Whatever the case, there is no doubt that Billy Graham was the leading Christian evangelist of the 20^th century and he will be fondly remembered by millions of people on Earth.

            Today’s half verse has been used by many evangelists to make people aware that the only guarantee we have in life is this moment we call ‘now.’ We don’t know what will happen in the next hour, never mind the next month, year, or decade. Time doesn’t stand still, except when it comes to an individual end for every person on this planet. The mission of Christianity is to help and encourage people make a decision to accept Christ as their Savior before Death arrives. At each of the rallies and crusades which Dr. Graham preached, this was the climax to the whole event when hundreds of people would get up out of the audience and walk forward to give their lives to Jesus. For them, this was the acceptable time, this was the day of their salvation.

            When I write and distribute these devotions, I have one purpose: to help people with their lives by encouraging them to draw closer to God and be embraced by Christ. Due to the wonders of modern technology, people in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, France and even the Philippines will read this message. I only know a few of them, but I pray that Christ knows all of them as believers, followers, and servants.

Point to ponder

Have I given my life to Christ? Am I willing to make this the day of my salvation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely, yet You still deal with us mercifully and graciously. We are thankful for Your love and we ask that You encourage us to devote the rest of our lives to Your ministry and mission on Earth, in our community and among the people we know. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to give feedback about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is taken from John’s blog which shows how many folks have read his devotions recently.