Year of Realization - Day 59: The time comes when it’s too late to avoid destruction.

“In despair he [Haman] fell on the couch where Queen Esther was reclining, just as the king was returning from the palace garden. The king exclaimed, “Will he even assault the queen right here in the palace, before my very eyes?” And as soon as the king spoke, his attendants covered Haman’s face, signaling his doom.”

‭‭Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT

I remember a story my father would tell about a time when a young man came to him after a call to repentance. Tearful, the young man told him that he knew he needed to give his life to the Lord. However, he went on to explain that he had something he had promised to do with his friends; and he must do that first. The young man promised that he would give his life to the Lord the next time he was at church. Of course, you can imagine what my father said to him in an effort to convince him not to wait. But, the young man’s mind was made up. Sadly, another opportunity for repentance never came. He was killed in a car accident soon after that.

I remember the sorrow in my father’s voice when he told this story, as well as his efforts to compel those who heard it, to not make that same mistake.

Yes, we know that God is merciful. He even extends the timing of things to give more opportunities for repentance, not wanting anyone to perish. But, the time comes when it’s too late to change course.

Jesus—knowing that the destruction of Jerusalem was now inevitable—mourned:

“But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus’ words are filled with the same sorrow heard in the voice of my father as he told the tragic story of the young man who put off repentance.

The writer of Hebrews warns the people of God not to allow things in their lives that could put them in the position of having no opportunity for course reversal.

“and [see to it] that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that later on, when he wanted [to regain title to] his inheritance of the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance [there was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he had made], even though he sought for it with [bitter] tears.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Tragically, there comes a time when the penalty can no longer be delayed and repentance is no longer an option.

In our opening scripture we see that Haman—having realized that the king will most likely kill him—falls across the lap of Queen Esther. But, it’s too late to beg for mercy.

Now—in terms of the coming of the Lord—there will be a time when those who are looking for Jesus to return, will escape into His presence from the cataclysm the people remaining will face. Don’t be one of those finding it too late to escape.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization