Two Seconds
Dan Kunz
When was the last time you had a near-death experience? Maybe you’ve never had one. Maybe you’ve had several of them. Being an outdoorsman, a very active person, and not very bright, I’ve had a few. The last one, just a couple of weeks ago, has me really thinking, though. My wife and I were visiting family in a western state for a few days. I was on my way to a lumber store. I was stopped at a red light, waiting to turn left. Another vehicle was in the lane to my left, also waiting to turn. When the left turn arrow turned green, I started my turn. Because of the vehicle next to me, until I pulled forward, I didn’t see a truck run the red light, going at least forty-miles-per-hour. If I hadn’t glanced to my left as I started to accelerate, I have no doubt I would have been broadsided. At that speed, I also have no doubt I wouldn’t have survived. I’m pretty sure I missed meeting Jesus by less than two seconds!
An old song states, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” A takeoff on it states, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to go tonight.” I don’t mind dying. I know I’m going to heaven. Jesus made a deposit in my heavenly bank account two thousand years ago. I’m just waiting to cash the check. That being said, the “close shave” made me think about a couple of things. One issue is the work I still must do. The other issue is those left behind.
Incomplete work is a concern for many people. In an earthly sense, we all have things we want or need to do. I’m sure most people don’t get to everything on their bucket list. We are building a new house. Others have an important project that just can’t be done by anyone else. Some have forgiveness that needs to be gotten or given. In a spiritual sense, maybe our relationship with God isn’t what it should be. Maybe we really want to do more in God’s Kingdom. We want to bring others to Jesus. We need to talk to a friend or relative about their relationship with God. A friend who passed away several years ago looked forward to retirement and being able to volunteer for various ministries.
Those left behind are more difficult. Who will take care of our loved ones? How will our children or grandchildren deal with our departure? What if our friends or relatives don’t know how we feel about them? Does everyone know I’m confident of my salvation through Jesus, my Savior?
When you consider your “two seconds”, a few thoughts should be foremost. Incomplete work is, for the most part, God’s responsibility. The truth is, God will see to it that his will is done. If he has work to be done, he’ll find someone to do it – you or someone else. If you need to mend relationships, don’t wait. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Unless the end of time comes first, we will leave somebody behind. Be prepared! Share your faith with them. Share your desire for their salvation as well. Assure them of your peace through Jesus. Tell them what they mean to you. Tell them all the things you want them to know before you go!
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God knows his plans for you. That may mean joining him in two seconds. That may mean joining him in two decades. Be ready, whatever that means for you, personally.