Dale Ridge church of Christ

Just west of Mt. Zion, there is a small ridge or terrace which creates a very interesting phenomenon. The top of this ridge is so level that when it rains, the water seems almost at a loss as to which way it should go. It is said that sometimes a faint breath of wind will sometimes blow a small portion of it over into the Valley of Roses and down into the Plain of Sharon where fruitful lilies and roses spring up. On the other hand, it is said that the larger portion of the rain water finds its way down into the other side of the ridge. From here, it descends down into the dark valley of Tephet and then down into the Dead Sea. From here, it is lost forever in the “Sea of Death.” This terrace is called the Terrace of Indecision.

The Bible strongly warns of indecisiveness and procrastination. The Holy Spirit says, “…Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…” (Heb. 3:7, 8). Paul exhorts “…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Sometimes, we can be like the children of Israel who did not take the prophet’s warnings seriously. God said to Ezekiel, “Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are afar off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord God” (Ezek. 12:27, 28).

We do not have assurance of a tomorrow. James describes our lives as a “…vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Job said, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope, O remember that my life is wind…” (Job 7:6, 7). Also he said, “Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good. They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey” (Job 9:25, 26). Likewise, we are reminded over and over again in scripture that Christ’s second coming will be without warning (Matt. 24:42-51; 25:1-13; Mark 13:32-37; I Thess. 5:1-6; 2 Pet. 3:10).

Perhaps, dear friend, you are on the “Terrace of Indecision.” If you remain there, you might possibly come around one day, but you can be assured that every day that goes by, your heart will become harder and harder. The answer to procrastination is preparedness. The devil’s message is, “Maybe tomorrow.” But the Bible says, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isa. 55:6). Dear reader, what will be your response?

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on July 31st, 2006