Leap Day

Beth Patch , author, cbn.com

Every five years, my husband and I travel somewhere new for our anniversary. So far, we’ve gone to Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and the Mall of America. Our next plan is to see the Northern Lights from Alaska.

Each trip is enjoyable, memorable, and not long enough!

“Let’s stay one more day! We can call the airlines and change our flight,” Joe said when it was time to leave the Grand Canyon. We were captivated by its beauty. Of course, staying longer cost too much – changes in flights, car rental, and hotel; we couldn’t, so home we went.

Oh, the desire to have one more day. It doesn’t only happen with nice vacations – also with loved ones who have passed, dad or mom leaving for deployment, spending time alone with a close friend, etc.

Once every four years, the whole planet gets an extra day. It’s today, Leap Day!

I believe God’s a fan of having one more day.

“How’s that?”

“Earth is still here and we are still on it.”

God’s been watching this planet and all its activities since He created it. He created man in His image and desires for all people to willingly choose Him and His ways instead of the world’s. He’s been patiently waiting. He’s given us many extra days. But the Bible says one day it’s all coming to an end – no more days.

A few facts:

• The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with a fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10-13).
• It will be just like the days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39).
• Ungodly people will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:7).
• It will be dreadful for pregnant women and nursing mothers (Matthew 24:19).
• Jesus will be seen coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30).
• Not everyone who says to Jesus, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21).
• A mighty trumpet sound will blast and God’s angels will gather those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life from all over the world (Luke 13:29, Revelation 21:27)).

Almighty God alone decides the day (Matthew 24:36), and He has held it off for one reason only – He loves us and doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants everyone to turn away from their sins and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9).

I must admit I have mixed emotions. I’m elated because Jesus has finally returned and believers will be in heaven with Him forever – free from society’s injustices and immorality. Free from our own inability to live totally sinless lives. But, on the other hand, people we know and love who never believed in Christ are out of chances. They will suffer worse than anything we can imagine and be cut off from God. My soul despairs when I think of it. But, my human heart doesn’t even compare to Father God’s heart. He loves mankind! He gave us Jesus Christ! He had mercy on us. Untilthis day.

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)

We are never guaranteed another day on this earth. The most beautiful hope we have this day is that so far we’ve all had one more day to make things right with God and one more day to be bold witnesses of His life-changing power, available to all.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT)

Oh Father God, thank you for your mercy. Each day you delay Jesus Christ’s return is another day names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Help us all to be ready for your return. Amen.