The Day Draweth Toward Evening
Judges 19:9
9…Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and tomorrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.
(KJV)
There is a long span in life where youth whispers immortality in our ears. We are strong and will always be so. We are alive and nothing can imperil that. But the years modify our perspective, and reality supplants our youthful delusion. There will be an end! We experience the sense of this verse as our earthly dwelling draws toward a close. We should not, however, approach this threshold without thanksgiving in our hearts. Let us not forget that before the evening fell, we were given a wonderfully bright and glorious day. In the splendor of it we planned and labored, hoped and dreamed. In its brilliance Christ found us and lovingly drew us to Himself.
Let us not greet the ebbing of life with foreboding, but with a sense of peace and well-being. Christ has been down this road before us. His journey has sanctified ours. His experience has removed all fear from the dark places. That being the case, let us be merry in these hours. Let us draw our security in Christ about us as a warm comfort. Let our faces reflect our gladness and anticipation.
Note also that we live in the promise of a greater and brighter day than we have ever known. We shall rise early to the delights of a new and eternal beginning. How can we anticipate that wonderful homecoming without a surge of joy, and peace? We would be early on our way! How unimportant every other consideration becomes in the light of that beautiful and eternal morning!
George Moore
Elder Emeritus
