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In Due Time

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 14, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 20.

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In Due Time

By A. E. Place

A. E. PLACE
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Rom. 5:6.
TRAINS are occasionally ahead of time, and often behind time; we can never be sure. But the gospel train never fails. Jesus Christ, the conductor on that train, has been on the road for six thousand years, and he is always on time, "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." He became the "Lamb of God" at the foundation of the world and "in due time." He was there in the garden of Eden ready to save the father and mother of our race; and when he had to send them out of the garden, he sent them out to walk in the shadow of his cross. He was born a child "when the fullness of time had come." He is always on time to help in sickness, in health, in sorrow, and in death. While some say, "My Lord delayeth his coming," he will be on time. We sometimes think he is "slack concerning his promises," but he knows just when the time is due. Blessed is that soul who knows this and rests his all upon it.
A man, while standing upon a wharf one day watching the departure of a ship, lost his balance and fell into the water. Not being able to swim, he sank. A noted swimmer saw the accident, and immediately threw off his coat and hat, pulled off his boots, then stood watching the man, who had come up and was floundering aimlessly and to no purpose. The man soon gave up the struggle and went down. Instantly the swimmer plunged in, and, as the drowning man came up again, caught him and easily brought him to the wharf, where he was taken out and restored.
When the excitement was over, a gentleman stepped up to the swimmer and asked, "Why did you wait till that man went down?" "Because," said the swimmer, "if I had gone before, he, being a strong man, might have drowned us both, but I knew that as soon as he got through trying to save himself, I could save him."
My brother, my sister, are we fruitlessly "beating the air" or the waters of life's sea? Jesus pities us. He is watching our struggles. He stands waiting for the due time to come in our experience. Shall we not, ought we not, to look up and see him, acknowledge that we are "without strength," give up the fruitless self-saving struggle, and let ourselves sink? If we do, we shall but find that we sink into the ocean of his love, and "in due time," while underneath are the everlasting arms.
"When through the deep waters I cause thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow. "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine."
Do you feel that you are "without strength"? Then know that Jesus died for you, that he might meet your need just now; and do not fear, yea, do not fail to thank him for present salvation.
San Jose, Cal.