In southeastern California there is a low, desolate, desert region, noted for its terrible heat, named Death Valley. This name was given to this section by the survivors of a group of "forty-niners" who went to California in 1849 searching for gold.
The group of gold-seekers wandered into the valley and named it "Death Valley" in grim memory of their terrible sufferings from thirst, hunger, and intense heat. Out of the group of thirty, only twelve survived.
Death Valley is over 130 miles long and 20 miles wide, and is the lowest point in the United States. The second-highest point, Mount Whitney, is less than one hundred miles away. At the extreme northwest end of the valley stands "Last Chance Canyon."
What a picture this desolate valley is of this world in which we live! All around and within us, we see sorrow, trouble and death—all the results of sin.
However, if we know the Lord Jesus as our Savior, we can say with the Psalmist, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psa. 23:44Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4).
The poor men who perished in Death Valley so many years ago were searching for gold, but found death instead. So, dear friend, if you are seeking riches and happiness in this poor world, let me tell you that true riches, happiness and joy, are only found in Christ.
"The world has nothing new to give,
It has no true, no pure delight.
Look now to Jesus Christ and live!
Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?"
As Mount Whitney is not far from Death Valley, so the path to life, happiness and glory through the Lord Jesus Christ is near, for He has said:
"The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:8, 98But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:8‑9).
The name "Last Chance Canyon" might well remind us that this may be your very last opportunity to be saved. Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior now. Tomorrow may be too late.
"Tomorrow's sun may never rise
To bless thy long-deluded sight;
This is the time; oh, then, be wise;
Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?"