The Story:The fact that our lives are unknowable is bracketed by the fact that they can also be suddenly cut short. Learn the lesson of the fish and the birds. What could be freer than these? Until, suddenly… So we go along in our lives, thinking ourselves free and invincible. Then, the net, the snare, some unforeseen evil. Then what, Rehoboam? Then nothing – that is, if all you have to look forward to is the grave and Sheol. Does he think he’s invulnerable? Indestructible? Impervious to “chance”? The fool might think that each day is just going to be one more joy ride, one more stage in his life-long cavort; instead, each day might be his last, and if he hasn’t thought about this, perhaps he should.

The Structure:Two responses to the Gospel that you might hear in an age such as ours: “I know you’re probably right, and I’m sure that some day I’ll become a Christian. For now, though, I still want to sow my wild oats.” Well, if sowing wild oats is what life’s all about, why ever stop? And if it’s not, why waste your time? The second: “I want to become a Christian, but I’m not quite ready. I need to think about this awhile before I believe.” Fine, just do me one favor: Between now and then, don’t die first. Believers need to hold the feet of unbelievers to their foolish beliefs in fun and chance. No, that won’t convert anyone – only the Gospel and the Spirit can do that. But it might help to break through some of the armor of unbelief with which many of our lost friends protect themselves against the claims of Christ.

Begin praying that God will give you an opportunity to speak with someone about the Gospel next week. Prepare by praying for specific individuals, rehearsing you testimony, and anticipating some of the responses or objections that might come. Ready?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “This Way to Happiness: Ecclesiastes 9,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.