|
Vital
Issues: This Can't Be Happening By: Jack Coleman
In our world, events take place that often
overwhelm us. Unbelievable tragedies
Involving loss of life and property occur all to
frequently. The reason we are so shocked at such events
is not only because of the magnitude of the destruction,
but because it was something we never expected to
happen, even though there were warnings about such
catastrophes.
In Oakland, California, for instance, residents often
felt earthquake tremors and were told that someday a
major quake would hit the area. When it finally
happened, some were heard to say, "We never thought
it would occur when it did or this sever." Another
tragedy that seemed to affect every American was the
terrorist bombing of the Murrah Federal building in
Oklahoma. One state senator was quoted as saying,
"I moved back to Oklahoma City from Washington D.C.
to raise my family because this type of thing wasn’t
supposed to happen here."
Perhaps you too have found yourself in unfortunate
circumstances on a more personal level. You and a few
relatives and friends knew of the tragedy that befell
you, but because it happened to you, it was all the more
startling. Today, as you look back on it, questions fill
your mind. Why did it have to happen just then, when
everything was going so well? If only there had been
some warning, you might have been better prepared, or
perhaps avoided the circumstance altogether.
Unfortunately, nothing can change events of the past. We
can, however, prepare for the future.
Would you allow me a moment to tell you about a
warning the Bible gives of the greatest calamity that
humanity will ever know? This event, though still
future, is so certain, it already has a name. It is
called "the Day of the Lord." It is the time
when God will begin His judgment on the human race
because of its sin against Him. The Apostle Paul,
speaking of that event said, "For when they shall
say, ‘peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction
shall come upon them." Like the tragedies mentioned
earlier, that day will come suddenly and unexpectedly.
Men and women caught in that dreadful day will perhaps
think it at first a very bad dream, and say, "This
can’t be happening." But it will be all too real.
The saddest part about this soon-to-take-place event is
that God gives numerous warnings that it will happen.
Many people in our world know what the Bible has to say
about the coming judgment, but choose to ignore it, or
even mock it.
I wonder, however, if you might be the exception. You
have lived long enough in this world to know that it is
not the idyllic place that some would have us believe.
You have seen sin and wickedness increase until there is
not a place on earth untouched by it, and you are
honest, you have even seen it in your own heart. And
perhaps just now you are wondering if there is any hope
at all for us. I am happy to tell you there is. These
words of the Lord Jesus, recorded in John’s Gospel,
have helped many to understand God’s way of salvation:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
|
Recent Additions
If you have any questions, please