The Right Fuel
It is a tough call to own a motor car that runs on LP gas*
instead of on conventional petrol. It has advantages but the serious downside is
that if you run out of fuel you are stuck. You can’t borrow a litre or two from
a passing motorist or walk down to the nearest service station to buy a can
full. You have to take the car with you because you have to fill direct from the
pump at the service station.
Equally, you can’t siphon off a litre or two of your LP gas to give to any other
stranded motorist. He can’t borrow from you any more than you can borrow from
him so if you come across somebody who has run out of gas, you simply have to
leave him there.
It reminds me of the ten virgins who were going on a journey (Matthew 25:1-13).
Five had filled their tanks with the right fuel: five just hoped somebody would
get them out of trouble in a crisis.
Like them, we are on a journey and John tells us that the right fuel is ‘to know
you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.’ John 17:3. Knowing
God is the fuel we must have.
Paul reminds us to fill up at the service station. He said it is where we become
‘familiar with the sacred writings which have power to make you wise and lead
you to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’ (2nd Timothy 3:15.)
And God promises to meet us right there at his service station. He said ‘when
you seek me, you will find me.’ Jeremiah 29:13. He is waiting for you; don’t try
to run on empty, will you?
Elizabeth Price
* LP gas stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, usually comprised of propane and/or
butane