A New York Minute..in Boston

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 15^th 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