Many years ago there lived in Greece a ruler named Archias.
A very selfish man, he lived only for pleasure and
cared little or nothing for the needs of his people.
Many hated him, and at last some plotted together
to kill him. Archias knew nothing of the plot, but
a friend in Athens heard of it. Immediately, he wrote
a letter to the king warning him of his danger and
pointing out a way to escape. The vital message was
on its urgent way. Archias was busy holding a great
feast when the messenger arrived, but since he came
all the way from Athens with an important letter,
he was admitted at once into the presence of the king.
Last Chance
"My lord," he said, "your
friend earnestly begs you to read his message at once
as it speaks of serious things." Archias,
merry with wine, bent on pleasure, was in no mood
to read the letter then. Never guessing what it contained,
he laughingly cast it aside, exclaiming as he did
so, "Serious things tomorrow!" Then he
returned to his pleasure. Poor man. His tomorrow never
came. No further warning was given. His evening’s
pleasure came to a sad and abrupt end. At the height
of the feast, those who had plotted against the king
rushed forward and killed him. Perhaps you are enjoying
good health and looking forward to an evening of fun
and pleasure. Thinking about your soul is too serious
for you to consider just now, and like Archias, you
say, "Serious things tomorrow!" But stop!
Tomorrow may never come. This may be your last night
on earth. What if God should say to you as He said
to a prosperous farmer long ago, "Thou fool,
this night thy soul shall be required of thee"
(Luke 12:20).
A Crucial Warning
You may not like such serious thoughts,
but Satan, the enemy of your soul, is trying to persuade
you to stop reading this article and forget its warning.
Meanwhile, God is sending you a warning of coming
judgment and at the same time pointing out a way to
escape. That way is through Christ crucified on the
cross for you. In those three hours of darkness He
bore the judgment of God against sin - a judgment
that you and I deserved. He died; He rose again; He
is seated now at God’s right hand in heaven. Through
Him God now offers a free pardon to all who will believe.
The pardon states: "Be it known unto
you therefore…that through this man (Jesus) is preached
unto you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him all that
believe are justified from all things"
(Acts 13:38-39).
