The Bomb Threat

On January 8, 2014 by Bobby Blakey

caution tapeA policeman was rolling out the yellow caution tape as I walked up to the park this morning.

It was a bomb threat.  Past the flashing lights of the police cars, I could see a couple of men in special suits looking at a black object on the ground.  I imagined the red digital clock counting down to zero.  I pictured them trying to figure out if they were going to cut the white wire or the blue wire.  I could see everything green flaming red. And I thought:

“What if the bomb goes off?  Am I in the blast zone?”

I immediately turned around and walk away from the park.

A businessman was coming towards me.  At least he seemed like a businessman because his beard was neatly trimmed and his glasses made him look sophisticated.  He was carrying a briefcase in one hand and looking at his watch with the other.

I thought to myself, “I should warn him about the bomb and tell him to turn around and go the other way.”

But he seemed so busy, like he was in a hurry to get where he was going.  So I said nothing.

As I continued to walk, a mother with two kids came towards me.  One child was being pushed in a stroller while the other was holding her hand.  I was about to warn them when one of the kids started crying.  I tried to say something again but the other child was pulling on his mom’s arm and growing impatient.  I realized it must be so difficult for this woman to have adult conversation in this season of life always meeting the needs of her kids.

Before I actually said anything they passed me.

As I walked on, a hipster approached me.  He was wearing a beanie and was listening to music through his earbuds underneath.  I knew he needed to be warned about the bomb and so I said, “Hey!”

He didn’t hear me.

I thought about ripping one of his earbuds out to get his attention, but that action seemed way too aggressive for a hipster.  He would think I was rude.  I am sure he is all about peace and love and doesn’t even believe in bombs.  They are not politically correct. He probably wouldn’t want to hear what I had to say.

At least that’s what I told myself as he walked past.

As I approached my house, my neighbor came up to me.  Finally, a familiar face!  Someone I could talk to.  But before I could open my mouth he greeted me with:

“Another beautiful day in Paradise!”

Suddenly I felt defeated.  He had started the conversation out in such a positive way.  How could I turn it negative now?  I could see the frustrated expression that would come over his face if I brought up the bomb.  So I hesitated again.

As he walked past I could hear myself saying,

“Yeah, another beautiful day in Paradise…”

At least, if that bomb doesn’t go off…

_________________________________________________________________

So what is your excuse for not talking to people?

As Christians, we know judgment is coming for sin.  So what are we doing to warn people to flee from the wrath to come?

2 Peter 3

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved. And the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,

12 Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

The Lord has been so patient with us.  He has granted so many of us repentance from sin and forgiveness through Jesus.  But let us not confuse his patience for weakness.  Just because he has a long fuse does not mean the bomb won’t go off!

To know the truth of judgment and not to tell others is the cruelest thing we can do.  Love must speak up.

Now is the time for us to tell the world.

Are you ready?

7 Responses to “The Bomb Threat”

  • Sam Graham

    This is an awesome analogy Pastor Bobby! Thanks for posting! “Love must speak up.”

  • Jonny Wright

    Great point, Pastor Bobby! Too often we give excuses for our lack of evangelism. I’m encouraged to speak up because to say the truth is more loving than saying, “Peace and safety” when destruction is coming!

  • MeganCurtis

    Thanks so much Pastor Bobby! This was very helpful!

  • Stacy Petersen

    What a potent parallel… I’m praying for God to open my eyes to those around me, and to give me a heart to love them enough to share the truth: that indeed, an eternal bomb threat is underway!

  • Isaac Garrido

    This is awesome! Tell the world of a great savior we have, though not all of us do, that’s sad. Praying that more would open their mouths and speak the biblical gospel to the lost souls in the world. This has really encouraged me to evangelism more!

  • Olivia Martin

    A very poignant allegory Pastor Bobby! We need to step up and be bold! Real bravery isn’t just ‘facing your fears’, it’s telling the truth even when people don’t want to hear it.

    Thank you!

  • Julie Studebaker

    Wow, very good. Feeling convicted. Thank you Pastor Bobby!

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