“Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”

Romans 13:11b

We see it every time we drive our cars. Without it we could experience serious consequences. We take it for granted. What do you suppose I am talking about? There are many things in and on our cars that help us safely operate them. We have brakes, lights, tires, and seatbelts. These are fine features to have and it certainly would be tough to drive without them.

One thing I did not mention is located outside on the front passenger door. I’m talking about the passenger side rear view mirror. On the mirror you will see, besides an image of what is behind you, a safety warning that you serve you well to heed. “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.”

This warning is needed due to the fact that the mirror makes the objects look smaller than they are and may cause a driver to misjudge the space between them and the object.

As the words are placed on our rear view mirrors serve as a warning, Romans 13:11b brings us the good news that salvation is closer to us now than it was when we first became believers. We know this as we read and study God’s Word, attend church, pray to God, and as we share the good news of Jesus’ love. We can rejoice as we wait for God to come again. He has promised us He will return. We don’t have to cry out, “How long?” for we know He is near. We can loudly proclaim, “He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!”

Once He came in blessing, All our sins redressing; Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us; Hope and freedom gave us. Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen!

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! –Ps 34:3

Contributed by Tom Johnson