The word opportunity is a noun, which the dictionary defines as “a set of circumstances that make it possible to do something.” The age-old proverb says, “opportunity knocks only once.” This implies that if one misses an opportunity that comes, it should be grasped because another opportunity like that may not come.
For many people, opportunity presents a chance or an occasion to obtain something they’ve been yearning for, or doing something they’ve been thinking of accomplishing for some time.
Someone said, “Three things that never come back; the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.” So then, opportunities come and go leaving us with only two options; to embrace them or let them pass by.
The Bible exhorts us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9,10).
A major component of the Christian life and service is to do good generally to others, and especially to those of God’s “family,” that is, “born again” Christians. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of one who did so much good during His earthly life and ministry. He fed the hungry, embraced the outcasts, had compassion on the crowds, healed the sick, and many more good deeds.
God will always present opportunities for us to do things that will bring honor and glory to Him and also blessings for ourselves as well.
In Luke 10:33, the Bible presents the account of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and he became the victim of thieves who left him half dead. As the helpless man lay there, both a priest and a Levite passed him by without offering to help. Finally, a Samaritan came upon the scene, and with great compassion rendered the necessary aid to the man.
The lesson here is that both the priest and the Levite missed a good opportunity to reach out to the victim who was in a desperate need for help. As long as life lasts, there will always be the opportunity to render help to the many who are in need. And if we are interested in reaching out to others, we will find and embrace these as wonderful opportunities.
Some opportunities are regarded as “golden opportunities” because of their resulting significance. The Samaritan’s opportunity undoubtedly fits this category.
The Lord Jesus made this interesting statement: “We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).
There are sound reasons for observing and acting on what Christ is saying here. First, during the day we have light, and can clearly see all around us. However, night follows the day and the light ceases, thereby making it difficult to work. Jesus is highlighting the urgency to take hold of the opportunity and work while it is day.
Another thought is that when the day ends, so does the opportunity to work since during the night the lost opportunity cannot be retrieved.
There is also a spiritual application here. And that is, when a person passes up an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as his or her own personal Savior, that opportunity may never return. Hence, one must see the importance of accepting Jesus when the opportunity presents itself.
It has often been said, “there is no time like the present time, because tomorrow is guaranteed to no one.”
If you are reading the message and have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, why not take the time to do so night now.
The Bible says to you: “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is) the word of faith that we proclaim; because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Everyone who believes in [Jesus] will not be put to shame” (Romans 10:8-11).
If you do exactly what the word of God says, you will be saved. May the Lord give you the courage and the faith to do so. And you’ll be on your way to heaven. Amen.