We are all familiar with those words of warning that are posted at railroad crossings. Those are to be heeded and failure to do so, often results in tragedy. In the spiritual realm, the words STOP, LOOK and LISTEN appear many times in Scripture and present wonderful truths. To those who do not know Jesus Christ, STOP and consider Him who died in your place on a Cross so that you might have eternal life. By simple faith in Him, believing that He paid your sin debt to God, His salvation brings relationship with God and the opportunity to experience God’s perfect love and grace. No wonder the Psalmist wrote --
… “My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.”(Psalm 71:7- 8 New Living Translation)
The same psalmist had a warning concerning that which destroys individuals and relationships with others.
“Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others — it only leads to harm.”(Psalm 37:8 NLT)
Then there is the admonition to LOOK. This is a look of appreciation to our great God and Savior. Again it was the psalmist who expressed his wonderment at the Divine attitude toward mankind --
… “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you have set in place — what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?”(Psalm 8:3- 4 NLT)
John the Baptizer, preaching to the nation of Israel the message of the coming Messiah at His First Advent, saw Jesus coming and proclaimed --
… “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Soon a man is coming who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before I did.'”(John 1:29-30 NLT)
Years later, the Apostle John was given the privilege of writing our Lord’s final message to the Church --
… “Look , I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the prophecy written in this scroll.”(Revelation 22:7 NLT)
The last admonition is to LISTEN. Scripture applies this action to man and also to God. Toward man, God says --
…“I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”(John 5:24 NLT)
Toward God, Ezra’s father, on the death march to Babylon prayed --
…“O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised.”(Psalm 119:169-170 NLT)
The prophet Jeremiah, preaching to Israel on the eve of her captivity extended, once more, God’s grace appeal --
… “So now the LORD says, "Stop right where you are! Look for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, 'No, that's not the road we want!' I set watchmen over you who said, 'Listen for the sound of the trumpet!' But you replied, 'No! We won't pay attention!'”(Jeremiah 6:16-17 NLT)