Don't Miss Your Opportunity

Some years ago, Walter took his friend, Arthur, out of the city to see some land in the
country where cattle were idly grazing. Walter explained about his dream for developing
the area. He told his friend that in time the land would be surrounded by many
restaurants, hotels, and convention centers. He told Arthur that his plan would require all
the money he had and that he needed others to develop the surrounding area. He
wanted his friend to have the first opportunity to buy into this project.

Arthur thought to himself, "Who in the world is going to drive twenty-five miles out in the
country for this crazy project?" He told Walter that he would think about it and decide
later on. "Later on will be too late," Walter cautioned Arthur. "You'd better move on it
right now." And so, Art Linkletter turned down the opportunity to buy up all the land that
surrounded what was to become Disneyland. His friend Walt Disney tried to talk him into
it. But Art thought he was crazy.

Friends, have you ever turned down what proved to be a magnificent opportunity?
Because we have very limited foresight, it is an easy kind of mistake to make. Yet,
missed financial opportunities are not nearly as tragic as missed spiritual opportunities.
The Bible tells us about some individuals who made huge mistakes and suffered severe
consequences. In Acts 26, King Agrippa listened to the testimony of the Apostle Paul
and had the opportunity to turn to Jesus Christ and become a Christian. Though “almost
persuaded,” he refused. The gospel accounts tell us that Judas had one of the greatest
opportunities in all of history. He spent almost every day with Jesus for three years. Yet,
in the end, instead of following Jesus, Judas chose to turn against Him, betraying the
Lord for thirty pieces of silver. The two thieves who were crucified with Jesus on Good
Friday also had the opportunity to repent of their sins, trust in Jesus and receive the gift
of eternal life. One chose to do so and that day entered the Lord’s presence in
“paradise.” The other didn’t and suffered eternal consequences for his choice.

Life offers each of us spiritual opportunities. In our country, almost all of us have heard
or read the glorious message that Jesus Christ has died for our sins and lives today as
the risen Lord. Many of us have embraced that truth and joyfully follow Jesus as our
Lord and Savior. Many others, however, have chosen to ignore that truth and simply go
on living as they always have. Friends, if that is the choice you are making, you are
missing out on the greatest opportunity there is. Some day you will deeply regret your
decision. The good news, however, is that’s not too late. By God’s grace, you can still
turn away from your sinful selfishness and turn to Jesus Christ. This is something which
the Lord wants you to do today. As God's Word says, "Now is the accepted time... now
is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Choosing not to embrace this opportunity
will bring only eternal regret.