2 Kings 7:3-8 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?… Their case seemed hopeless. Yet they rightly judged that to remain inactive — to sit still — was the unwisest thing they could do — left them not one chance of life. The same principle will hold good in every man's history. There are critical periods in his life when his whole future hangs on his personal decision as to his course. Various courses suggest themselves, and he is often in doubt and perplexity which to adopt. But decide he must, and decide he does, for weal or woe, in time and in eternity. To sit still and do nothing in these critical periods is suicidal. 1. It is so in the ordinary business affairs of this life. Thousands are ruined by inactivity — by, lack of incisive, heroic resolution and effort in the crisis of their affairs. They "sit still" till the opportunity to retrieve themselves is lost; till the tide of irresistible fate sets in against them. 2. It is so in the formation of character. There are critical periods when to "sit still" and let things take their course, is to forfeit all self-control, to put yourself, soul and body, at the mercy of evil associates, demoralising principles, and ruinous habits — in a word, to make shipwreck of character. 3. It is so with the awakened sinner. It is the most critical period of his life. Decide now he must the most momentous question that ever trembled on human lips, "What must I do to be saved?" He cannot evade it. He cannot postpone it, without infinite peril. 4. It is so with every sinner living under the Gospel. To "sit still" is certain death. To do nothing, absolutely nothing, in the way of inquiring after truth, repenting of sin, seeking Christ, obeying the Gospel, is to make our "damnation sure"! It is a great mistake which many fall into, that positive hostility and active resistance to the Gospel are necessary to ensure condemnation. The negative position and conduct is amply sufficient. Not to believe — not to accept Christ in the relations offered: not to possess the character and bear the fruit of the Christian life — is to render one's salvation impossible. "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (J. M. Sherwood.) Parallel Verses KJV: And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? |
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