In my commuting back and forth from New Jersey to New York City each day, I used to cross the Hudson River on a ferryboat. I worked within walking distance of the ferry in New York City, but had to catch a train on the other side of the river to take me home. The ferry was a necessary link and always ran on time. I could always count on it so I could catch my train.
Several years ago I had some shopping to do after work. I had done this before and knew what time the last ferry left that would still allow me to catch my train on the other side. However, I forgot about the time as I was trying to decide on a purchase. When I looked at my watch, I suddenly realized that I was running late for the ferry.
Paying for my purchase, I left the store and ran the few blocks to the ferry. When I reached it the big clock showed the time was 6:09 PM—the exact time the ferryboat was scheduled to leave. Running into the ferry house, I could hear the bell already ringing, announcing that the main door to the ferry was going to close. The attendant on duty would chain the passage to the door, which was about 20 feet away, so that the ferry could leave.
I made a dash to reach the passage before the man with the chain blocked my way to the door. His back was to me as he stretched the chain across the passage. I stooped under the chain and ran to the door, but it slammed shut. The signal had been given to close the door, and nothing could stop it. The door had been closed by the captain who was up on the ferry’s control deck. As much as I would have liked to have gotten on that ferryboat, I was too late. I had run as fast as I could, but I was TOO LATE. Since I missed the ferry, I would also miss the train I had hoped to ride.
Lots of people hope to be saved “someday” by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, but they are not watching the clock God’s time for you to be saved is right now. The Bible says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2). We have no idea when the opportunity to be saved will be gone, except that it will be soon. Everything around us warns that God’s scheduled moment for the door of salvation to be closed is nearly here. God controls that door just like the captain controlled the door of the ferry. I had waited too long, and it closed in front of me.
If we miss a ferryboat, a train, a bus or an airplane we can always take another one, even though we might have to wait for a long time. But in God’s schedule, once He has closed the door, no one else can be saved. With God there is no second chance... as many people prefer to think and hope. Don’t get caught on the wrong side of heaven’s door when it is closed. Enter right now while it is still open.
“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.” Luke 13:2525When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (Luke 13:25).
ML-08/26/1984