THE CHILDREN'S WARNINGS

I recall that in the early days of aeroplane travel there used to be a three-fold command system to 'fasten seat belts'. First of all a passenger entering the cabin was confronted with a red light warning to this effect. Is this not like a bad conscience? Especially for unbelievers the conscience is a reminder that not only hour by hour safety but also the eternal destiny of the soul need immediate attention. The gospel calls upon the sinner for repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and His atoning work. We give thanks for the many who have heeded this call. The believer need therefore have no more conscience of sins because they have been borne by Jesus at Calvary's cross. Sins may still be remembered by us to preserve us in some way. They would however never be on the conscience which should always be kept good and clear through obedience.

On taking his seat in the plane a passenger would hear an insistent voice saying the same two words as the red light warning with the addition of 'please'. It was a command by the captain and yet it showed respect for the traveller. It is like the preaching. This is a chosen way by which a God who is love shows the value to Himself of every human passenger on life's fleeting journey. His word "Come" is both an invitation and a command. He invites so as to attract us into all the blessings of the gospel, and He commands us lest we should think that we could please ourselves whether we accept or refuse that which is our only hope.

After a few minutes a stewardess would come and speak to every passenger in turn asking 'Is your seat belt fastened?'. She would not go away until assured that it was. Even if you said that you were too big for what was provided she would still ensure that you were made safe! That is the evangelist. O, that we were more filled with God's love for His creatures - men, women and children! Philip, an evangelist, preached the glad tidings and many believed and were healed; he preached the name of Jesus Christ and many were baptised; he preached Jesus to one man who learned to know the Lord and went on his way rejoicing. Do you rejoice likewise?

J.C.Evershed