“Ain’t No Need of You Crying Now!”

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

You were given plenty of times to repent, but you refuse to! Your behavior is just like Esau’s was. God said, “Esau, I begged you. I’m giving my Son to die for you. I love you. I’ll forgive every sin. I’ll make you, My child. Please, Esau.” And Esau said, “No, over and over again.”

Then one day, God said, “Okay, Esau, I’ve had enough. I’m fed up.” And God, in His mercy, turned that mercy to wrath and God’s long-suffering was turned to indignation and God’s forgiveness was turned to vengeance. Then Esau came and said, “Oh, God, I’m ready to get saved now.” And God said, “It’s too late!” “But, God, said Esau, You are merciful.” “No longer.” “But, God, you are long-suffering.” “I’m fed up.” “But, God, forgive me.” “No.” “Please forgive me.” Tears of remorse flowed down his cheeks and God said, “No, Esau. You said no for the last time. I’m fed up with you.” Stop your crying, you were given plenty of chances to repent but you refused. So ain’t no need of you crying now. It’s too late for repentance. [Hebrews 12:16-17].

Even though Esau begged with bitter tears., it was too late! This verse is a sobering reminder that there are times when it is too late to reverse the damage done by our decisions. Many people, having heard all their lives about the grace and mercy of God, take His grace for granted. They decide on courses and actions which they know are contrary to God’s will, but figure that “God will forgive me anyway” and plunge foolishly into their rebellious way. They assume there will be no lasting damage once they are forgiven. These people exhibit the spirit of Esau — and unfortunately may well discover his end as well. Don’t make that mistake. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise, iniquity will be your ruin. [Ezekiel 18:30].

Like the foolish virgins who were unprepared at the bridegroom’s arrival, sometimes it is too late to cry, “Open to us” [Matthew 25:1-13]. Like the rich man who was sorry once he was in torment, it was too late for him to repent and warn his brethren [Luke 16:19-31]. This kind of regret comes too late.

The message is as relevant today as it was in the first century and as it was in the days of the patriarchs. If you live with little regard for spiritual things, you will regret it — eventually. But that regret will come too late unless you heed the lesson about Esau. Now is the time to be concerned, or you soon may be lifting up your eyes where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, shedding tears too late.

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of my counsel: They despise all my reproof. Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” [Proverbs 1:25,26,28-31].

Author: Wallace