Procrastination!

Did you know there is a group, “The Procrastinators’ Club of America?” Wikipedia describes the “club” as based in Philadelphia, PA, and defining its purpose as promoting “the philosophy of relaxation, putting off until later those things that need not be done today.” Les Waas established the club in 1956 and remained president until 2011 publishing a newsletter they called, the “Last Month’s Newsletter.”

In 1966, the club held an anti-war demonstration against the War of 1812, with signs protesting the War of 1812, and telling Pres. Madison we want peace!” During the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial, the club picketed the Whitechapel Bell Foundry with signs who cast the Liberty Bell that read, “We got a lemon” and “What about the warranty?” Waas died in 2016 at 94, and those close to him stated he was late to his own funeral.

In Acts 24, we find the story of Paul making his defense before Felix the governor. In verse 24, 25, we read that Felix “sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a CONVENIENT TIME I will call for you.” (Caps & word procrastination for “convenient” mine)

Earlier in time, we learn from the Gospel of Matthew about Peter who also procrastinated in his opportunity to stand strong in faith about his relationship with Jesus. In Mt. 26, we read, “the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death.” With none or little procrastination, they began to shout, “Guilty! He deserves to die! Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fist. And some slapped him, jeering, prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?” And Jesus being taking away, Peter “sat outside in the courtyard,” and when a servant girl accused him of being with Jesus, he denied it all. Another girl saw him and said “this fellow” was with Jesus, and again he denied it. Later “others” said, “your speech betrays you,” and he began to curse and say, “I do not know the Man!” After the rooster crowed as Jesus had earlier predicted to Peter he would, he went out and “wept bitterly.”

Pilate failed because he procrastinated, and Peter procrastinated in his moment of him having opportunity to be bold for Jesus! However, on the third day, Jesus did not procrastinate, and He rose from the dead “just as He said He would!” Those who came to His empty tomb left rejoicing, and while they had come to the tomb walking, they left running, saying, “He is not here! He is risen as he said,” (Mt. 28:6).

Death had taken its worst shot, and its worse shot was not enough! God had pronounced his divine “Amen” on all Jesus came to DO, SAY, and BE, and furthermore to accomplish it right on time! The kingdom of God had a future after all, and without a moment of procrastination the third day arrived, and with it came Jesus from the tomb just as He had said He would.

And, because He lives, you can live! You can be part of the future by way of eternity in heaven after accepting and receiving Jesus into your heart and life…no more procrastinating…for as Paul penned in 2 Cor. 6:2, “now is the accepted time…now is the day of salvation.”

HE IS RISEN INDEED!