Introduction
Uncertainty and unpredictability often accompany our lives. Sickness, accidents, anxiety, sleeplessness, poor grades, rejections, loss, shattered expectations, sudden deaths, storms, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, drug abuse, identity crisis, thefts, murders, the list goes on and on.
One thing that matters most can change everything, it will place us on a strong foundation. Troubled situations or storms may continue. But perspectives change totally. Remember Christ Jesus with anyone is wiser than the enemy. The one thing important is choosing Jesus Christ.
The decision totally transforms life from the moment one decides. Some changes are immediate. But the journey, the process starts the moment you choose Jesus. The decision to follow Jesus is not one to be taken lightly or put off until a later time.
People of all ages who made the choice became a new creation. Scientists, philosophers, mathematicians, doctors, atheists, agnostics, teachers, namesake Christians, other religious backgrounds and the list goes on. Here we will explore the reasons why it is crucial to make an early decision to choose Jesus, the benefits of doing so, the dangers of waiting until the last minute, and practical steps to take in making a wise decision. So, why choose Jesus now?
The Unpredictable Nature of Life
While we can choose to exercise and eat healthy, we have many instances of skinny healthy-looking people die all of a sudden. This includes rich, educated, knowledgeable and healthy people as well as others who are less careful about these matters. Many of you know the social media company Meta. Facebook, Instagram, Metaverse are some of their popular services. While Marc Zuckerberg is the founder and owner, the shining star of the company for 14 years used to be Sheryl Sandberg. Zuckerberg acknowledges her contribution to the success of Meta/Facebook. Her first husband, well-educated, healthy, successful had a very tragic death when they were on holiday. He was in the gym. He died at 47, due to an undiagnosed heart condition when doing the treadmill. You can read this on his Wikipedia page (Dave Goldberg – Wikipedia)
This instance is shared to highlight that the person was well educated, health conscious and did not lack the power and resources to take care of himself, yet death embraced him when least expected. The day or timing of death is not known to any person. Consider Princess Diana, she was a commoner who became a princess. She died in a car crash when she was 36. Christina Grimmie, a popular YouTuber, was murdered point-blank by a mad fan when she was 22. She had a great voice, good talent. In a public setting, she died. If you wish, take time to check out her Wikipedia page. Christina Grimmie – Wikipedia
Death is a certainty for everyone. Death can happen when you await it. It can also happen when least expected. It can happen when you are young, old, healthy or sick, celebrity or not a celebrity, awake, or when you are asleep. It can happen when you are happy or when you are sad. At any age, at any place death can happen to anyone. It can happen when least expected.
In the tapestry of human life, the thread of unpredictability is woven deeply. Even with AI, patterns cannot be foreseen with certainty for anyone. The unpredictable nature of life is a truth we navigate willingly or unwillingly. The urgency of making pivotal decisions cannot be ignored. We do not have the luxury of time. It is wise to make a decision to choose Jesus in time.
Here is a powerful truth to think about, try to understand.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12 NIV)
As the day and timing of death are not known, we need to have this awareness built into our nature, behavior, plans, thinking, decisions, actions, words etc.
Every moment we draw breath is a gift, it is also a reminder that our time on earth is finite. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, regardless of age, health, or circumstance. This inherent uncertainty of life should compel us to act with urgency in matters of eternal significance. Waiting for a more convenient time to make such a critical choice is a gamble with incredibly high stakes.
Choosing Jesus now, amidst the unpredictability of life, ensures that no matter what turns our journey takes, we are secure in knowing that our eternal future is in the hands of a loving Savior.
This choice of Jesus brings:
peace amid chaos,
hope in despair,
steadfast anchor in the stormy seas of life’s uncertainties,
rest, lasting joy, contentment instead of anxiety, temporary euphoria and dissatisfaction.
A relationship with Jesus transforms our eternal destiny, our present reality, guides us through life’s unpredictability with wisdom and strength from Jesus Christ.
It’s important to make this decision promptly. Life’s fleeting nature, along with its unpredictability, is enough reason to make the wise choice to follow Jesus. Our death is an uncomfortable truth.
Yet, it is a powerful motivator to seek the tender mercies, love, peace, joy from abiding in Jesus, rather than risking a future where such a choice is not available.
While we will explain why it’s important to choose Jesus in detail down below, here is a significant Bible passage to be mindful of.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13 NIV)
The decision to choose Jesus now is not one motivated by fear of the unknown but by the hopeful and confident assurance of eternal life from here and now onwards. It is a proactive step. It secures our future beyond the veil of this life. It ensures a life of fulfillment, joy, and peace in the present, no matter what tomorrow may bring.
Unpredictability of death should not make one anxious, provided Jesus Christ has been chosen as our Savior. Here is a Bible verse.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me (Jesus). My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? (John 14:1-2 NIV)
The Benefits of Making an Early Choice for Jesus
Choosing Jesus early in life unlocks benefits that give us a fulfilled wholesome life on earth and in eternity. This act of faith starts a transformative journey with an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Who is this Jesus?
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6 NKJV)
We receive unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness. These are not abstract concepts but tangible experiences that profoundly affect our daily living, emotional health, and spiritual wellbeing. We don’t see air. But the absence of it chokes us to death. Even in a room filled with air it can choke us if the room is a kitchen filled with smoke. Whereas with good and healthy air, we certainly feel far better with health benefits like:
Accelerated recovery. … Boosts cellular rejuvenation. … Promotes collagen production. … Fast tracks your training. … Reduces pain and bruising. … Soothes swelling and inflammation. … Assists with mental clarity. … Enhances energy levels.
If a physical substance like better air can result in better health, you can imagine how a superior spiritual decision can help you in your life from now to eternity.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV)
The spiritual battle lines are clear, Jesus Christ gives you abundant life. Whereas a very contrary spirit like Satan and every other manifestation of Satan only results in loss, death and destruction.
Embarking on the right path with Jesus Christ grants us a head start in experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promises. It means more time spent in communion with God, allowing His teachings to mold our character, influence our decisions, and guide our paths. This early alignment with God’s will enables us to navigate life’s challenges with divine wisdom and strength, equipping us to face the uncertainties and unpredictability of life with resilience and hope.
The early choice to follow Jesus also fosters a deep sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. Understanding our place in God’s grand narrative inspires us to live beyond ourselves, engaging in acts of love, service, and compassion that reflect Jesus’s teachings. The relationship with Jesus, daily conversations with Jesus, communion with Jesus, stirs within us a life of faith, connects us with a community of believers, and impacts those around us in meaningful ways.
Choosing Jesus early gives time for spiritual riches which leave spiritual legacy that influences generations. It sets a foundation for building families and communities rooted in Christian values, perpetuating a cycle of faith that can withstand the tests of time.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27 NIV)
In a practical sense, making an early decision for Jesus equips us to navigate life in the light of truth that leads to eternal life.
No one wants to be like the rich man in perpetual fire and suffering in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus – a beggar who was often camped in front of the rich man’s house.
After the beggar died, the angels carried him to Abraham. The rich man also died a few months or years after the beggar. However, the rich man was in Hades. The rich man was in torment and far away he saw Abraham with Lazarus by his side.
The rich man asked Father Abraham to have pity on him and to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool the rich man’s tongue, because he was in agony in this fire. Father Abraham reminded that Lazarus the beggar had received worn out and left over food while the rich man had received good and superior things all through his lifetime on earth. But now the poor man was comforted here, and he was in agony.
Father Abraham also talked about a great valley between where Abraham was, and the poor man was – so that it was not possible for anyone to cross from one side to the other. Jesus then told the rich man like this. “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ (Luke 16:19-31 NIV)
You and I have this privilege of knowing all these lessons, so that we chose Jesus and have an eternal life in pleasant surroundings.
Knowing and Living life with Jesus
The birth of Jesus changed the calendar we follow. After the birth of Jesus it is approximately 2,024 years. The Bible is all about Jesus Christ. The Old Testament covers the period from creation to the period before Jesus. The Old Testament points to Jesus, with the Book of Isaiah having the largest number of prophecies of Jesus 700+ years before Jesus was born. (Mathematicians who are experts in probability say that the chances for this kind of precision is just impossible, thus pointing to the divinity of Jesus.)
The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ and the book of revelation points to the return of Jesus at end times. To have a relationship with Jesus Christ prayerfully read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as top propriety a few times is top priority. Attending church regularly in the place you live is recommended.
Choosing Jesus now is not merely a wise decision; it is the foundation upon which a life of profound fulfillment and eternal joy is built.
The Dangers of a Last-Minute Choice
Postponing until the last moment of your life to have Jesus as your savior is risky. Let alone you don’t give time for a fruitful and blessed relationship with Jesus. Salvation is very important, but a life lived in relationship with Jesus gives multifold reward – a richer life with great possibilities of bringing the kingdom of Heaven here on earth in your circumstances and your surroundings.
Would you buy tickets for a popular movie which you very much wanted to watch just before the show?
Isn’t it like going for the entry level Corolla when your father has already paid in full for the Landcruiser or the Lexus ES model.
The idea that there is always more time can be a dangerous delusion, leading to postponement of this critical decision, unaware that our next breath is never guaranteed. Delaying and postponing, also carries the risks of missing the transformative relationship with Jesus that is available now.
A last-minute choice carries the risk of the heart being calloused, making the acceptance of Jesus’s love a more difficult leap than it would have been earlier. The longer one waits, the more challenging it can become to recognize the need for a Savior, as logic and reasoning will fuel pride and self-reliance – all of which is clearly seen to be futile and wasteful.
Additionally, a life lived without the guidance, joy, and peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus is a life that misses out on the fullness of its potential. The transformational journey with Christ is not just about securing an eternal future but also about experiencing a life here on earth that is rich with purpose, meaning, and service to others.
A last-minute choice affects families and communities. Without the influence of a life lived for Jesus, opportunities to sow seeds of faith, love, and hope in others are lost. The impact of a life transformed by Jesus has the power to echo through generations, creating a legacy of faith that a last-minute decision cannot fully realize.
The notion of waiting until one’s final moments to choose Jesus underestimates the complexity of human emotion and the realities of mortality. In times of crisis or facing the unknown, making a heartfelt, sincere decision amidst fear, pain, or confusion can be immensely difficult, if not impossible. Relying on a future moment of clarity that may never come is an unnecessary risk.
The dangers of a last-minute choice are clear and present. Choosing Jesus should be a deliberate, immediate decision, made not out of fear of what might happen if we wait but out of an earnest desire to experience the abundant life He offers now.
If you have lived for say 20 years, or 30 years, or whatever, is not that already a long time without Jesus? Should you not try life the next six months of life with an active relationship with Jesus? The one who is the Prince of Peace. Should you not have a life of rest and joy even if there could be storms and situations that you should silence in the name of Jesus Christ.
Transformation of people who choose Jesus
Saul chooses Jesus. After choosing Jesus he became a new person – Paul. Apostle Paul chooses Jesus in a very dramatic manner. He used to persecute followers of Jesus. He used to be against them as he was zealous about his Jewish traditions. Many followers of Christ suffered death because of Paul’s actions. During his journey to Damascus on a horse back, he heard a voice, the voice of Jesus. He fell from the horse and was blinded. You can read this in Acts 9:1-19 NIV – Saul’s Conversion – Meanwhile, Saul – Bible Gateway
Paul, who chooses Jesus, was used in a mighty manner by Jesus. He wrote 2/3rd of the books of the New Testament under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul traveled most among all apostles. All this in spite of Paul not having lived with Jesus. Yet encounter with Jesus and the Holy Spirit transformed him totally. Our past is least important in Christ. Whatever we were doesn’t matter. Once we receive Jesus Christ as a Lord and Saviour, everything changes. Life starts afresh with unlimited possibilities. This abundant life is seen with everyone who lives a life of surrender to Jesus Christ.
Similarly, Mary Magdalene who was known to be infested by 5 or 6 demons chose Jesus. She became a key disciple of Jesus ministering along with other apostles. She was the first disciple to see the resurrected Jesus.
In today’s world, very many people are having encounters with the “man in white” and every aspect of their life changes. Most likely you are a Christian without a relationship with Jesus Christ. Desire strongly to have a good and active relationship with Jesus Christ starting today.
Why is choosing Jesus @ last minute still better than not choosing?
There were two persons on either side of the cross on which Jesus Christ was hung. One robber knew that Jesus had no sin and wrong attributed to Himself, yet He was crucified. Jesus told Him that he would be in paradise with Jesus. Here is the portion Luke 23.
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NIV)
The other robber whose attitude and words indicate that he did not choose Jesus followed the path of the rich man’s path – suffering for eternity.
May you be blessed richly.
