THREE DAYS IN INFAMY

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole amor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers , against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:10-12).

When people say, "There is peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come upon them as travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape (I Thessalonians 5:3).

President Franklin Roosevelt said that December 7, 1941 would live in infamy.  I think we could also add September 11, 2001 as another infamous date; both dates arouse horror.  Both of these great tragedies in American history were followed by conspiracy theories of coverups because it is speculated that both presidents wanted America to go to war.  Japan had already displayed military aggression.  Radical islamists had already bombed the World Trade Center.  The signs of imminent attacks should have been obvious. 

There is plenty of evidence that an obviously pregnant woman is going to give birth; the question is, when?  It comes suddenly--a pregnant woman does not want to be caught in a situation when help is not available.  Why would a nation be less vigilant when the signs are obvious?  Why would any individual not be vigilant when the truth is that apocalypse is coming?  Death is one's personal apocalyptic moment.  The second coming of Christ is the apocalypse for all things.

That lazy Sunday morning on December 7, 1941, no one thought there would be an attack; many people were sleeping in.  Suddenly, at 7:55 a.m., the first Japanese planes shattered Hawaiian quiet--apocalypse was happening!

I will never forget September 11,2001, I was on highway 31 between Washta and Correctionville, Iowa, driving to Norfolk, Nebraska.  Regular radio programming was interrupted by the announcement that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center--apocalypse was happening!  It was shortly before eight a.m. central time on a day that would have many more announcements; how could this be happening in America?

We often make the mistake of assuming that vigilance is someone else's responsibility.  We are blessed with so many tools today by which we can assess our present situation, the first and for most being the Bible.  With modern language translations, it is not hard to do a systematic study of it.  Arm yourself because apocalypse is coming!  Will you be prepared for it?

Grace&Peace,
Tom