Opportunity is not something permanent. It comes and goes. Maybe you’ll get another, maybe not. It’s like the wind needed to sail a sailboat. When it hits, the sailors have to be quick to pull up the anchor and open the sails. If there is even a split second of hesitation, it can result in days of delay and mean the failure of the trip.
Knowing how to take advantage of opportunities is crucial to those who want to have successful lives. Salvation is no different; it’s the most glorious of opportunities that God granted to mankind.
The Lord Jesus spoke of this to the Jews of Jerusalem:
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 accept your opportunity for salvation.
The Jews didn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Savior) they waited for, and still wait for. Why? They were waiting for a military Messiah who would come with power and strength to free Israel from the hand of the Romans and restore peace to the nation.
Jesus didn’t meet their expectation. He explained that the kingdom of God does not have a visible appearance. (Luke 17:20)
Which is to say that the kingdom of God does not come with bells and whistles, in a grandiose package fit to impress, making people fall to their knees from just looking at it. Jesus came with simplicity, so that only the simple and sincere of heart would recognize Him. After all, he wouldn’t have any real glory if he would make them bow down because of imposition or emotion. He didn’t seek such worshipers; he sought those that seek Him in spirit (using their minds) and in truth (with sincerity.)
Many didn’t see the Savior in Him because they were looking for an experience, which would impact them emotionally. Until today, this continues happening. People are more inclined to religion and religious experiences than to truly getting to know God. They don’t want to think, they want to feel. They don’t want to search for Him, they just want to come face to face with Him without any effort.
One of the biggest differences between Universal and many religions and denominations is exactly the simple and brutally honest way that God is presented to people. No detours, rituals, peculiar religious teachings, or using emotions that lead people to a mere religious experience. Universal doesn’t prioritize the giftwrap but the content. Perhaps it’s because of this simplicity and transparency that many despise it, because what they see isn’t to their taste. So they lose the opportunity and continue restless.
It’s like the prophecy the Lord Jesus said to Jerusalem. Because they didn’t recognize the opportunity to reach salvation, which was right in front of them, the time would come when the enemies would destroy it completely. This is the same destruction that has been happening to those who haven’t valued the opportunities that God has given them to receive salvation.
What are you looking for? The giftwrap or content? To live by feelings or intelligence? Destruction or peace?
May God open your eyes to see the opportunities you have to repent and receive salvation. May you not hesitate to grab them. Right here.
Right now.
