Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of temptation in the wilderness

— Hebrews 3:7-8

I remember some years ago a young man from a Christian home came to see me in my office. He was living a wild life and I spoke with him for a good while. I explained to him the Gospel and urged him to turn his life over to Christ. He said to me, “Dr. Kennedy, I want you to know that I believe everything you said. I know it is all true. I know it because my parents taught it to me as a child, and I want you to know something else. I have every intention of receiving Christ as my Savior. I have no intention of leaving this world without doing that—but not now; I’ve got some real living to do first.”

He got up to leave, and as he opened the door, I stopped him. I said, “Let me leave one text with you as you go. The Bible says, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1 NIV). He paused, looked back at me, turned again, and left.

A few days later I received word that he was riding his motorcycle on the freeway when a truck with the tailgate down stopped unexpectedly in front of him and he was instantly decapitated. I couldn’t help but think of my parting words to him: “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1 NIV) Now is the accepted time. Today is the day of salvation.

Question to ponder:
Do you know of any people you should talk with about the state of their souls?