July 28

Lost Opportunities

For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears. — Heb 12:17 BSB

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! — Matt 23:37 BSB

The Greeks depicted Opportunity as bald, with no lock of hair by which she could be seized as she turned away. Each of us is given opportunities, but often there is no sign of their arrival, and once they pass, they rarely return. It is said that Queen Victoria once granted a little-known painter a private sitting, but because he arrived five minutes late, he missed his chance forever.

Esau traded his birthright for temporary pleasure. He had no regard for the spiritual privilege of the firstborn, which included being the priest of the family and standing in the potential line of descent for the Messiah. He craved only what would satisfy his senses at the moment. But once he sold his birthright, he was bound to the transaction. The phrase “he found no place of repentance” doesn’t mean he wanted to repent but couldn’t; rather, his decision was final and irreversible. We, too, have the potential to make choices that can affect our entire destiny. Let us be careful not to let passion lead us into decisions we cannot undo.

God longed to shelter Jerusalem under His wings, but she refused Him, and her day of opportunity passed. Likewise, salvation is available to all, and there is hope and opportunity for repentance as long as the day of grace remains. But remember, as McCheyne said, Christ gives last knocks. Today is your moment of opportunity, your time for a fresh start. Open the door of your heart to Christ and make Him King. He offers you the chance to rise, to serve, to find your place in His kingdom. Don’t let this opportunity slip away.

Prayer

Lord, let us not serve You with the spirit of bondage like slaves, but with the joy and gladness of children, delighting in You and rejoicing in Your work. Amen.