Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

How often we have had someone tell us, “You’ve already told me that.”

Especially if you are an older adult then you have probably heard young people say it several times in your life. I mean, after all, you have no new stories to tell, and you aren’t sure this person has heard this particular story so why not go for it. However, there are times when someone needs to be told something a second time.

So now I will tell you a story from my life that is not so important to you but meant everything to my family one day. My Dad was driving us to Alabama to visit a camp meeting. My two brothers and I were along for the trip and probably scheduled to sing.

Several years of training in music had occurred prior to this day and we were ready for presentation. Travelling Highway 46 in Bulloch County was nothing unusual for my Dad, and as he reached the intersection of 46 and US Highway 301 there was a stop sign. He stopped as required, checking the traffic both ways before proceeding. Unfortunately, his view was blocked by the corner post of the car’s structure and he missed seeing an oncoming vehicle travelling at a relatively fast speed. My oldest brother saw the vehicle, spoke up, and quickly warned my Dad again. He was able to adjust and avoid a collision. Our lives were spared. At that moment my Dad said, “I would rather be told twice than not at all.” This warning kept us from a family disaster.

No doubt there have been instances in your life when you needed to be warned twice about a pending disaster. So many times as humans we fail to heed the first warning and so a second must be given. I’m reminded of Peter who was warned by Jesus that he would deny his Lord three times.

In poetic form Mark says that Peter was told, “…before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice” (Mark 14:30). It happened just as Jesus said. Please let me warn you that if you are not serving Christ you are travelling a dangerous road. Probably you have heard this before and things are still going well with you. As a second warning I want you to know that your life will come to an end and perhaps sooner than you planned.

What a waste, what a tragedy, should you reach the end of life unprepared to face your Maker. There are many churches, many pastors and many styles of worship, surely something will work for you. Just be warned a second time and act accordingly.