I believe many of you dread deadlines just like I do.
For deadlines connotes death in the figurative sense; the deep, deep trouble that I will be in if I fail to complete my task on time.
Yet despite the fact that we hate deadlines, we desire to know what the deadline is.
For with this knowledge, we feel more assured and in control and not suffer the ignominy of being caught by surprise.
How we approach deadlines, however, do vary vastly from person to person. While the more prudent ones, plan their time wisely and quickly get on task to complete task and with time to spare. The are yet others, who will procrastinate and deliver (with great hope and expectancy a decent and satisfactory) piece of work right on the dot, just before the line of death.
Sadly, no one knows when the day of the Lord will be. While they are some, who foolishly are convinced that they have been divinely enlightened and know this mystery. Our Lord clearly and unequivocally told us (Matt 24:36 - 42) that no one will know or will ever know. Hence, we should also not be unwise and display the same nonchalance and foolishness of the people in Noah’s time.
We, however, have received a greater blessing than Daniel. For though Daniel sought to understand what the end of these things shall be, he was denied. Our Lord Jesus revealed to us the signs of the last days (Matt 24) and the things that will shortly take place (Rev 22:6 to 11). Do we reciprocate His kindness toward us by arming ourselves with the right attitude and actions.
Finally let us be cognisant that missing deadlines in the physical world may just be a slap on the hand, a trivial loss or set back, that is incomparable to missing the spiritual deadline. Let us wise up, for we cannot afford to suffer shame and everlasting contempt. Neither us nor the people close to us.
