Now, recently we had a bit of a problem with our lawnmower. It had need of repairs which allowed the grass to get pretty tall. OK, it got REAL tall.
And the frogs moved in and set up housekeeping.
Today, I was able to get out and finish the mowing. But, before I cut the area, I made an effort to chase the frogs out and into the local ditches, where they would be safe. I even moved some fallen branches, knocked the rocks around, and generally made it clear that the frogs would be best served by moving on to the next set of weeds. Mr. Lawnmower was about to come to town, and he was gonna be getting serious!
A handful of frogs took my advice (and my kicking their little rumps) as a sign that it really was time to be moving on. These guys hopped off at once into the ditch. One of those suckers made it from the middle of the grassy area to the ditch in about two and a half hops. (As a side note, he would have been great for the local charity frog races, but the thing about great jumpers is that, being great jumpers, they rarely get caught.)
The next type of frog I came across was the sitter. The sitter would just sit there and do nothing until the mower was just about to run him over. Then, he'd wake up, realize he was out of time, and would head off to the ditch A.S.A.P. No time for a quick lunch or nothing...just, "WOW!" and off he'd run.
Then there were the hiders. They wouldn't leave the grass to save their lives (literally.) Instead, these folks would try to hide under the weeds, under tiny little rocks or under anything they could find.
I'm sorry to report that hiding wasn't a successful option for those frogs.
Next, there were the confused ones. They tried to run, but they'd never follow the paths to the ditch. They'd be jumping into the grass, bouncing off trees and generally jumping in circles all over the place.
Chaos and a big ol' lawnmower just don't mix well. None of the frogs that did this survived.
Finally, there were the defiant ones. I mean to tell you, these guys would just seem to jump in front of the mower and hold their ground, as if they were saying, "These are my weeds, this is my grass, and you wouldn't DARE try to take it from me!"
Frogs lost. Mower won.
Now, after I finished the mowing, I went inside and took a shower while I tried to decide if it wouldn't just be easier to pour the gasoline from the mower on the grass and set it on fire. Eventually a calmer mind prevaled, and the lawn isn't on fire. But, the time gave me a chance to think about them frogs. Talking about being a grand example of people living today.
Some folks hear the gospel of Jesus and immedately recognize it for all it means. They head straight for His loving arms and will hang on forever.
Some people will wait until disaster is on their doorstep, and then will decide to head for the safe area. Better late than never, but just think of all the safe, fun time they could have had if they'd just accepted things at the first chance.
Some will try to hide behind their personal opinions. They'll hide behind good works, or false teachings. They'll cry out, "This isn't fair!", and a thousand other worthless exclaimations. Then, the wrath will hit them.
Some will chase power, or riches, or popularity, or a thousand times a thousand other things. But, if they aren't following Jesus, they are just jumping around in circles. And then, the wrath comes upon them.
Finally, there are those that will raise their fists to God and scream, "I don't believe in You! Show me why I should believe in You. You're supposed to love us all--You wouldn't actually dare to hurt us!"
These are the ones that really amaze me. Jesus said He was going to do something--in this case, come back for His people then punish those that are left behind. He has sent prophets to warn. He has sent writers to lay out His Word. He Himself came to earth to make sure everyone would get the warning. He commanded His people to continue spreading the Word of what was to come. He has left prophecies of the end times that, looking like He was reading today's newspapers, clearly warn that the end is nigh upon us. And yet, with all that, these are the people that still dare to say, "You wouldn't actually dare to hurt us!"
Frogs lost. Mower won. Think about it.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it]." Isa. 1:18-20
If you are feeling the Holy Spirit calling you to take your place before the Lord Jesus Christ as His good and faithful servant, now is the time to turn away from your sins. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and start living a life to please Him. Life eternal with a loving God is a mighty fine place to be.
So, hop to it! :)
Grace and Peace....
