April 15, 2020 (Wednesday)
“Beware the ides of March” was a warning to Julius Caesar, “ides” an old Latin term meaning 15th. It used to be fun to quote as tax time, which was March 15th, rolled around. Then the government threw us a bone and postponed the deadline for filing income tax forms to April 15th. That’s where the dreaded date has rested for a number of years now.
Suddenly the IRS told us a few days ago that, for this year only, the deadline has been extended to July 15th. We would shout, “Hurrah,” but the reason for the postponement is the deadly serious matter of the COVID-19 corona virus. No time for even the hint of frivolity.
We have until July 15 to file our Form 1040 this year. That’s three extra months. I guess that’s good for me because, even though I usually have filed my taxes by this time of year, I have not really started filling out the forms yet this year. I have collected all the information I need, but I keep putting off getting started with the actual forms.
I don’t have to be a prophet to predict that on July 15 there will still be lines at the post office as procrastinators try to beat a midnight deadline.
Procrastination is prevalent all the time for some people. For whatever reason, they keep putting off important matters. It does not matter much if the issue is trivial, but the result can be tragic if it is a matter of monumental importance.
Remember in the Bible where Paul is witnessing to Pilot’s successor, Felix? “As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” Sad. So close, but so far away.
True story: A pastor and the visiting evangelist visited an elderly gentleman sitting in his rocking chair on his front porch. They told him how to be saved and he listened with interest, but replied, “Yes sir, I intend to do that one of these days.” He died that week, and, as his casket was carried to the grave, the preachers kept hearing in their minds, “Yes sir, I intend to do that one of these days.”
Years later, on another day, I, the pastor, and the evangelist for the week went to see a 72-year old gentleman, who, when asked if he wanted to accept Christ as savior, replied, “Yes sir, I think I’ll do just that.” What a wonderful day that was.
If anyone is reading this who has thought about becoming a Christian, I plead with you, please don’t delay another day to give your heart to Jesus, because that other day may never come.
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
Words, Fanny Crosby
Music, William H. Doane
1870
Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Chorus:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief. (Chorus)
Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace. (Chorus)
Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee,
Whom in Heav’n but Thee. (Chorus)