Every classic movie or sitcom filmed in a bar has at least one scene based upon the notion, last call for one more round of drinks. In the 1996 film Invincible, Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, a bartender who fulfills a life long dream of trying out for Philadelphia Eagles, his local NFL team. As the plot develops, several of the beginning scenes take place at the establishment where Vince hangs out and takes a part time job after losing his teaching position. Like the closing bell on Wall Street, the last call serves as a two minute warning before closing up for the night.
In life, few people receive a clear indication that their time on earth is up. Sure, those stricken by an incurable disease have an inclination that the end is near, yet countless are cut down, killed in accidents or murdered without any signs or notice. These individuals don’t have any time to prepare for eternity. Instead, their destination is determined by the life they have lived. Unfortunately, no one is perfect, Romans 3:9-12, falling short of God’s expectations, Matthew 5:48.
In Luke 23:32-43, three man were sentenced to death. As curious spectators got their kicks, watching 3 men die on a cross, one man took advantage of this last call on life. Acknowledging his crime publicly and worried about his future, one criminal pleaded with Jesus, Luke 23:41-42. As a result, this fortunate soul received something better than a last drink, the gift of eternal life, Luke 23:43. May you seize the moments God gives you during the living years so that you will enter the place Jesus calls paradise, 1 John 5:13.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 