Driving Through Life

The man drove at a reckless speed down the highway. As he drove, he looked with disdain upon the other drivers who seemed to merely inch along compared to his attempts to reach mach 1 in an automobile. “Don’t they realize what they are capable of?” he questioned. “Don’t they see how much more ground could be covered if they would just get their foot off the brake and accelerate?”

And then, he saw it. It wasn’t particularly noticeable. It certainly wasn’t colorful or attractive. But it demanded his attention none the less. There, posted at the side of the road was a sign: SPEED LIMIT 55. “Fifty-five???!!! You’ve gotta be kidding me!” he scoffed. “That’s ridiculous! I’ll never get anywhere if I only go fifty-five.” He knew it was an exaggeration, but he didn’t care. He was already on the fast track and there was no stopping him now. The road before him was wide open, just waiting to be discovered. It could only get better from here. “Besides,” he muttered to himself, “I don’t believe in law enforcement officers.” His experience confirmed his belief in his mind. He had been driving on that same highway for many days now and had yet to observe a law enforcement officer.

But that day would prove him wrong. Moments after uttering the words, he was horrified to discover the flashing red and blue lights in his rearview mirror. Instinctively, he slowed to a stop on the side of the road. As the officer approached his window, the man looked up into his face and whispered, “But…I don’t…believe…in…” His words trailed off. The man was painfully aware of the foolishness of his own thoughts and words. But now – it was too late.

This man could represent so many in our world today, but suffice it to say that the identifying characteristic is that he has denied the existence of God [the law enforcement officer] and is living with disregard for the Law/Word of God [posted speed limit]. He cannot comprehend those who will hesitate for any reason [the law-abiding drivers] to experience all the fullness of this life and the ever-advancing technological capabilities it offers.

Perhaps he has not yet observed the speed limit sign. He has not yet heard the Word of God. Let us preach the Word all the more boldly and faithfully!

Perhaps he has observed the speed limit sign, he has been confronted with the Word of God, but rejects its authority over his life. Let us continue to preach the Word all the more boldly and faithfully!

Perhaps he has observed the speed limit sign, he has been confronted with the Word of God, and has begun to question the wisdom of his lifestyle. Let us continue to preach the Word all the more boldly and faithfully – leading him to the eternal Lawgiver and Judge and the One who has already fulfilled all the requirements of the law on his behalf.

Perhaps he will never heed the signs, he will forever reject God, and will careen off the road of life to his own eternal demise. What will he say then, when he must face the One whose very existence he has denied?

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27