Once upon a time the mate of a sailing vessel – giving into temptation – became drunk. The captain entered in the log of the ships record: “Mate drunk today.” When the mate read this entry, he asked the captain to take it out. He noted that when it was read by the owner of the ship it would cost him his job – plus this was his first offense. But the captain refused to change the record and simply said: “This is the fact, and into the log it goes.”
Some days afterward the mate was keeping the log. After he had given their logistics, etc., he made this entry: “Captain sober today.” The angry captain protested when he read the record, declaring that it would leave an altogether false impression in the mind of the owner. But the mate answered as the captain had answered him, “This is the fact, and into the log it goes.”
How often do we not give the whole picture or tell the whole truth?! The challenge for Christ-followers is to do just that – tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But, of course that’s not always a popular thing to do, is it?! The famous singer/ songwriter Bob Dylan in his song, “Pressing On” says, Many try to stop me, shake me up in my mind. Say “Prove to me that He is Lord, show me a sign.” All people in their heart of hearts want to know about eternity – just give me a sign. Read the Bible – God has already placed eternity in our hearts. But unfortunately, few people pursue that final truth for their lives!!
I recently heard a poignant story about a professional singer, Ruthanna Metzgar, who was asked to sing for the wedding of a millionaire. She knew the wedding would be picture-perfect and was excited to be able to participate. The reception was held on the top two floors of Seattle’s Columbia Tower, the areas tallest skyscraper and when she arrived, it was even more wonderful than she had imagined.
Following the wedding ceremony, the bride & groom approached a beautiful glass & brass staircase that led to the top floor. A satin ribbon, which was draped across the bottom of the stairs, was cut and the announcement made that the wedding feast was about to begin. The bride & groom ascended the stairs and the guests followed.
A gentleman with a lovely bound book greeted Ruthanna and her husband as they reached the top of the stairs. “May I have your name please?” “I am Ruthanna Metzgar and this is my husband, Roy,” she replied. The gentleman searched and searched. “I’m not finding it. Would you spell it please?” Ruthanna spelled it slowly. But after searching throughout the book, he looked up and said “I’m sorry, but your name is not here. Without your name in this book you cannot attend this banquet.”
“Oh no, there must be some mistake,” she replied. “I’m the singer. I sang for this wedding!” The gentleman calmly answered, “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you did. Without your name in the book you cannot attend this banquet.” The gentleman with the book motioned to a waiter and said, “Show these people to the service elevator please.” They followed the waiter past beautifully decorated tables laden with shrimp, whole smoked salmon, even gracefully carved ice sculptures.
Adjacent to the banquet area was an orchestra, the members all dressed in dazzling white tuxedos preparing to fill the room with glorious music.
They were led to the service elevator, stepped in, and the waiter himself pushed “G” for garage. As Ruthanna’s husband drove them home, he gently put his hand on her arm, “Sweetheart, what happened?” Then she remembered. When the invitation arrived for the reception, she was very busy and never bothered to return the RSVP. After all – she was the singer, surely she could go to the reception without returning the RSVP!
The truth is – one day we will all stand before our Creator and if our name is not in the Lamb’s Book of Life, we won’t be spending eternity with Him. You could be the most wonderful, giving, incredible person ever – but without Jesus Christ as your Savior, you cannot gain entrance. As A.W. Tozer rightly noted: “Jesus is not one of many ways to approach God, nor is He the best of several ways; He is the only way.”
Bob and Susan Beckett pastor The Dwelling Place City Church at 27100 Girard Street in Hemet, CA. For more information, you may contact them at DPCitychurch.org
