Each
one of us can remember the shock felt on September 11, 2001. All of us have stories to tell of what we were doing when terrorists
struck the World Trade Center and 3,000 innocent people died.
The two most recent tragedies to hit home are the Virginia Tech
shootings and the bridge collapse in St. Paul, Minnesota. How many of us are taking note that we could easily be victims of such disasters
at any time? How many of us realize we could have been in the World Trade Center, or the Virginia Tech campus or driving to and from
work on the bridge in St. Paul? Have we put ourselves in place of the victims who were caught by complete surprise?
When looking
at Bible prophecy as God's people, we have the basic understanding of such chapters as Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. We are also
familiar with Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. Where, however, are events such as the World Trade Center, Virginia Tech and a collapsed
bridge over the Mississippi River mentioned in the Bible? They aren't, of course, and this is why we need to take notice of just how
easily we could be affected by what is happening around us at any time.
God's church has been given the understanding of Bible
prophecy, but by all indications we are viewing the future mostly on the basis of what we have come to understand without realizing
we could be affected at any moment by events that are not prophesied.
Take a look at events around us and it is obvious that
tragedy is striking close to home. Will tragic events be the main way in which God will have to deal with a lukewarm attitude pervasive
not only in the world, but also in God's church? For anyone who doubts such scenarios, looking back at the tragic shootings of church
brethren at services in Wisconsin shows just how easily we could be affected by totally unexpected events. It was recently reported
in
The Journal that two long-time members were killed by a tornado in Oklahoma. Such tragedies use to be unheard of in God's church.
I am not saying the brethren killed were Laodaceans or disobedient to God, but my point is that we need to realize that God's way
of life must be first and foremost in our lives because an unexpected tragedy could strike each and everyone of us at any moment.
I
fear for the people of God. Since we are living in a Laodacean era, such a spiritual condition is not looked upon with favor by God
or Christ in Revelation 3. Corrective measures are severe.
Editors Note:
Church era’s are not found in the Bible, however a Laodacean
attitude and/or spiritual condition is definitely prevalent in the world and church today. Mt. 24:12 And because iniquity (lawlessness)
shall abound (increase), the love of many shall wax cold. Laura Lee
How many brethren feel they are God's favorite because they
belong to a certain group? God does not play favorites, but He does look with favor upon His people when His way of life is first
and foremost above everything else. We as God's people are in a sad state of confusion, and it may well be that God will have to remove
His protection in order to wake up His people. This is not the case for everyone, but for most.
When we stop doing things our
way, and allow God to have the say so, His protection and favor will be granted. Until we do, we may well see tragedy strike God's
church in a way we never have before. God's people are being judged now, yet are we willing to realize that God is not only upset
with the state of the world, but also with His church.
