The Urgency of Now

In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, we find ourselves grappling with the harsh realities of evil, violence, and loss. Recent events have shaken many of us to our core – school shootings, the tragic death of a young Ukrainian refugee, and the sudden passing of influential voices. These sobering reminders of life's fragility force us to confront an uncomfortable truth: we are not guaranteed tomorrow, or even our next breath.

The apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, emphasized this urgency: "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). The repetition of "now" is no accident. It's a wake-up call, a divine alarm clock ringing in our ears. God's timing is perfect, like the sunrise that never fails to appear at its appointed hour. And just maybe, this very moment is your divinely appointed time to hear and respond to His call.

This call isn't about fear-mongering or manipulation. On the contrary, it's an invitation to freedom from fear. Jesus repeatedly encouraged his followers, "Do not be afraid." The only way to truly live without fear is to know that your life has eternal significance, secured in the promise of heaven.

But what exactly are we being invited into? To understand this, we must first recognize the world as it is – broken and far from God's original design. In the beginning, God created a perfect world where humanity walked in harmony with Him. Sin entered the picture through human rebellion, corrupting everything and leaving us in a state of brokenness.

Our natural inclination is to try to fix this brokenness ourselves. We chase after the perfect job, the ideal relationship, or the next big achievement, thinking these will bring fulfillment. Some turn to alcohol, drugs, or other temporary escapes. But inevitably, we find ourselves right back where we started, often in an even worse state.

The good news – the Gospel – is that God has provided a way out of this cycle. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bridge the gap between our broken world and His perfect design. The transfiguration account in Matthew 17 gives us a glimpse of Jesus' true identity and glory. Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus transformed before their eyes, His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus, and then a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

This dramatic scene reveals Jesus as both fully divine and the promised Messiah. It underscores the truth Jesus himself proclaimed: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This exclusivity may seem narrow-minded to some, but it's the bedrock of the Christian faith. There is only one way to restored relationship with God, and that's through faith in Jesus Christ.

So how do we respond to this invitation? It begins with repentance – a word that might sound intimidating but simply means to turn away from our old way of living and turn towards God. It's like realizing you're driving in the wrong direction and making a U-turn. We must stop trying to fix ourselves and instead turn our lives over to Jesus, following His lead.

Repentance goes hand in hand with belief – not just intellectual assent, but a deep trust in the truth of the Gospel. We believe that Jesus, God's Son, came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again three days later, conquering death and offering us new life.

When we repent and believe, we begin a journey of recovery. This doesn't mean life suddenly becomes perfect or easy. We still live in a broken world where evil exists. But now we have a new perspective, a new source of strength, and a helper "ever-present in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1). We can pursue the purposeful life God designed for us, knowing that our eternal future is secure.

This invitation is open to everyone, regardless of your past or present circumstances. It's not about being good enough or cleaning up your act first. It's about recognizing your need for a Savior and accepting the free gift of grace God offers through Jesus Christ.

The question is, where do you find yourself today? Are you still trying to navigate the brokenness on your own, or have you aligned yourself with God's perfect design for your life? There's no middle ground – you're either walking in step with God or you're not.

If you're still in that place of brokenness, what's holding you back? Perhaps you're worried about what others might think or you're not sure you're ready for such a big change. But remember, every person who has ever come to faith in Christ has had to take that first step. It's not about being perfect; it's about being willing to start the journey.

God's promises are for an abundant life, starting right now. This invitation isn't just about securing your place in heaven (though that's certainly part of it). It's about experiencing a transformed life today, finding purpose, peace, and joy even in the midst of life's challenges.

Don't let another moment pass without settling this most important question. The time is now. The invitation is open. Will you accept it?

In a world full of uncertainty, one thing remains constant – God's love for you and His desire for you to know Him. As you reflect on this message, consider where you stand. Are you ready to embrace the life God has designed for you? The decision is yours, and the time is now.