A New York Minute…in Boston
I have to make a confession:
I am not a writer. One of the
many lessons that I learned at the East Tennessee School of Preaching was the
need for preachers to be writers. There
was emphasis placed on taking advantage of ‘current events’ and making them
applicable to biblical teaching through observations. The idea is appealing and
usually effective if done properly, but even so, I have never been that good at
it as some of my colleagues (which is why I should probably do more of
it!). With that being said, the events
of Monday, April 15th have left me with a feeling that I rarely have;
a need to express great concern for my friends and family, as well as my
brothers and sisters in Christ. Now, you
might think that this article will focus on world events, terrorism, politics, ‘big
brother’ or some other topic that could be related to what happened at Boston
Marathon this past week. But, instead
allow me to view the event and the reaction to said event through the eyes of
Scripture, and bring to light any possible lesson that can be learned.
First and foremost, what I am reminded of by what happened
is that things can and do change in an instant.
The victims of the bombings were taken totally by surprise. People
were happy, celebrating with friends and family as they accomplished a well-deserved
goal in life. Reports to date have led
to conclude that there was little or no indication that there was anything
planned. Friends, that is exactly how the Bible describes
the second-coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). God’s Holy Word is very clear that watching,
preparedness, and looking for the Christ to return should be a characteristic
of faithful Christians (Matt. 24:42; Mk. 13:33). But, are we?
In general it seems that the preparation for the return of Christ is not
in the forefront of our lives. Most
people hardly consider it at all. And that scares me.
Secondly, when that time does come, there will be much
destruction. It has been reported that
the bombs used were built to inflict the most damage. Many people refuse to acknowledge the clear
teaching of Scripture that characterizes the Day of the Lord as being one of
great destruction (2 Peter 3:10). There
will be no second chances. There will be
no mercy on those who “do not obey the gospel of Christ” (2 Thess. 1:8; 1 Peter
4:17).
And finally, much like the bombings at the Boston Marathon,
which quickly, almost instantaneously, the news spread throughout the entire
world, likewise the second coming of Christ will be heard and seen by every
living creature on earth (Rom 14:11; Philippians 2:10). There will be a sound of a great trumpet (1
Cor. 15:52) and every knee show bow down, and give an account for their life
here on earth.
Friends, are you ready? Are you really ready? Are you ready for the judgment day? In light of many of the daily events in the
recent past, we are reminded that things can certainly change in ‘a New York
minute’, whether it be in Boston, or your own home town. If you are not a faithful
member of the body of Christ, the Bible is clear in its teaching that you are
unprepared. Obey the gospel today, and prepare yourself for eternity (Acts 2:38,
22:16; Gal. 3:26-26; Romans 6:3-6). In
the meantime, pray for those affected by this terrible incident, for the family
members who have lost loved ones, and for our nation as we heal from this act
of terror.
preachertombowling@gmail.com
