Out of Oil

(Proverbs 20:20 KJV)  Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

If you compare the KJV and the NASB you see a different approach to the lamp going out.  In the KJV it is “put out” (1846).  In the NASB it “goes out” (1846).  In both cases the light is gone but is it a matter of being turned off or running out of oil?  Is it automatic or forced?

I guess there is a sense in which it doesn’t matter why the darkness descends.  It is dark.  It is also too late.  Think of the parable of the foolish virgins who ran out of oil.  They were able to get more but it was too late.  The sad truth is that there are time limits on almost everything.  God is very patient.  He is merciful.  He is forgiving.  He also will come to a point where He will no longer listen.

So?  My guess is that you still have time.  For some it will be simply a matter of continuing to grow but for others the big decision has not been made.  It is also a reminder that those we care about have time to listen to the Lord, but not forever.