The Sunday Sermonette – Almost Persuaded.

In the early days of World War II, the British War Cabinet was split over whether to discuss peace terms with Hitler or to continue fighting. In those dark days, the Luftwaffe was bombing London, along with other cities and towns. The devastation was horrific, the loss of life appalling. In the face of seemingly overwhelming odds, Prime Minister Winston Churchill was almost persuaded to capitulate. But his faith in the resilience of the British people and the righteousness of their cause prevailed, and he declared: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds…we shall never surrender.” And because he held onto to that promise, England and the world were saved from the evils of Nazism.

In ten prolific years of painting, one of the most famous artists of all time sold only one painting. In 1888, it fetched a mere $60.00. However, as recently as 2021, one of his paintings sold for over $47,000,000! Due to the mental demons stampeding in his head, whispering that he was a failure and a nobody in the world of art, he was almost persuaded to stop painting. Thankfully, he didn’t. And because Van Gogh continued to paint, the world is a more beautiful place.

After reading his deceased daughter’s journal, her words crushed his soul. Otto thought of publishing her journal but worried about what people would say and how they would react. Was the journal too personal? Would any publisher publish it? Due to his fears, Otto was almost persuaded to put the journal in a bottom drawer and forget about it. Thankfully, family and friends assured him the journal had a timeless message of courage, sacrifice, and love that the world needed to hear. Their encouraging words change his mind. And because he did, a world-famous book, “The Diary of Anne Frank” was published.

Almost persuaded! These two words are some of the saddest in the English language because they reek of missed opportunities and bungled chances. Churchill, Van Gogh, and Otto Frank were almost persuaded to go in one direction but went in another, thus changing the world as we know it. Their decisions were not only good, but they were also courageous. In the New Testament, however, there are two examples of men who were almost persuaded to change their worlds for the good but failed to do so. Their lack of courage led to missed opportunities. And eternity.

King Agrippa and the rich young ruler had it all: fame, money, possessions, and power. They both knew of the Old Testament teachings and predictions conceding the coming Messiah and eternal life. But the King, enjoying his luxurious lifestyle and knowing he had a reputation to uphold before anti-Christian Rome, told Apostle Paul, “Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.”

The young ruler, looking for joy, fulfillment, and peace, which he thought his money and possessions would bring him, was sorrowful when Jesus told him to give everything to the poor and follow him. The young man was almost persuaded to do so but was unwilling to let go of his indulgent, unfulfilling lifestyle. These stories remind us of the importance of making the right choices, even when difficult.

Are you almost persuaded, as well? Please don’t be like the King or the young ruler, who were both almost persuaded but walked away from the best offer on earth: To become a forgiven, redeemed child of God and live forever in the peace and safety of Heaven.

Ponder this and go forth.