Phil Weatherwax recounts, “How many times I heard Pastor [Adrian Rogers] close an evening service this way.” With the lights dimmed and the choir softly singing “Now the day is over, Night is drawing nigh; Shadows of the evening Steal across the sky...” Then Dr. Rogers would briefly review the day. This practice made me think of the words of Jesus recorded in John 9:4, where he declared, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” These words of Jesus serve as a three-fold reminder to every Christian.

First, Christian don’t forget your principal responsibility. John 9:4a reads, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me...” Jesus had this constantly on His mind and heart. F. B. Meyer comments, “The phrase, ‘works of God,’ is a familiar one throughout this Gospel. To do them fed the Redeemer’s soul (John 4:34); they were in an ever ascending scale (John 5:20); they were of a certain definite number, given Him to finish (John 5:36); they were the signs and seals of His mission (John 10:38); they were not His own, but wrought through Him by the Father (John 14:10); they were unique in the history of the world (John 16:24); they were definitely finished ere He left it (John 17:4).” Every Christian has a divine mission to accomplish.

Second, Christian don’t forget your present opportunity. John 9:4b reads, “while it is day...” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “opportunity” means “an occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something.” The day of opportunity passes quickly; it is limited and can be lost.

Third, Christian don’t forget your prospective accountability. John 9:4c reads, “the night is coming when no one can work.” With responsibility and opportunity comes accountability. Romans 14:12 reads, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Hebrews 9:27 reads, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

At the conclusion of his Sunday night retirement service at Bellevue Baptist Church on March 6, 2005, Adrian Rogers stepped to the platform as the musicians began to play “Now the Day Is Over,” after the choir sung the first part of that song the lights dimmed and Rogers made his way to the pulpit and began to review the events of the day and to highlight elements of over three decades of pastor and people. In his closing remarks, he cited 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” On Nov. 15, 2005, Adrian Rogers went to be with the Lord. One day you will realize for the final time, “Now the day is over.”

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.