July 2, 2015 (Thursday)
On the day after tomorrow, we will celebrate the 239th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Two of the strongest voices for independence were those of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, each of whom became president. Would you believe that these two men died within hours of each other, Adams in Boston and Jefferson at Monticello, on the same day? And, as hard to believe as it is, the day was July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence!
If that were not a fact of written history, if someone knocked on your door today to tell you the facts for the first time, would you believe it? Probably not. Too coincidental. The stuff of legends. Right?
Yesterday, we observed in this blog the Apostle Paul in Athens, proclaiming to the “intelligentsia” of the day that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. What was their reaction? Most of those learned men rejected Paul’s message as outrageous and unbelievable. They had a choice as Paul spoke the truth: “Believe it or not!” They made a choice. Many refused to believe. Some did believe. These responses are repeated every day somewhere.
Today the gospel is preached the world over. People are told that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead after three days. Many believe that message. Perhaps you are one of the believers. There are also many who do not believe it. When they hear it, some scoff and say it cannot possibly be so. So be it. God has given that choice to everyone. As long as they live, they still have the opportunity to repent and believe. But someday the time will run out. Then each person who rejected Christ will stand in His presence to hear Him say, tragically, “Depart from me. I never knew you.”
On the other hand, those who believe in Christ are saved and have found in Him a reason for living. Someday they, too, shall stand before Him. Many will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Will you be among those? I pray you will. “If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).