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DEADLINES/SECOND COMING

Damon Sacco caught a 1,200-pound tiger shark, but failed to win the prize for landing the largest shark in the Martha Vineyard's 2005 Monster Shark tournament. Though no one caught a larger shark than Sacco, his catch was disqualified because he pulled into Oak Bluffs harbor six minutes too late.

—http://www.nbc4.tv/irresistible/4753274/detail.html Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Sometimes being five or ten minutes late is no big deal, but then there are the other times when the deadline is firm—like with the second coming of Jesus. When the day of opportunity ends for mankind, it is over. There will be no second chances.

Matthew 25:1-13 (HCSB) "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. [2] Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. [3] When the foolish took their lamps, they didn't take oil with them. [4] But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. [5] Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] In the middle of the night there was a shout: 'Here's the groom! Come out to meet him.' [7] Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. [8] But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.' [9] "The sensible ones answered, 'No, there won't be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.' [10] When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. [11] Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, 'Master, master, open up for us!' [12] But he replied, 'I assure you: I do not know you!' [13] Therefore be alert, because you don't know either the day or the hour."