restoring our biblical and constitutional foundations
Shock and Awe
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).
He was in the office of a friend who had had his picture taken with a number of famous people. As he observed these photos on the office wall, he saw a picture of his friend standing next to President Bush. He was amazed.
You had your picture taken with the President, he said.
Yes, I did, his friend replied.
Im amazed, he commented.
You should be, said his friend.
You mean, you really had your picture taken with the President of the United States? he exclaimed incredulously.
Thats right, he said.
You mean to tell me that you know George Bush? he asked.
Yes, I do, was his friends reply.
Then Ive got a question for you, he said. Does George Bush know you?
Jesus said there will a lot of people in the last days who will claim to know Him. Theyll say, Why, Jesus, dont you remember uswe had our picture taken with you. We cast out demons in your name; we preached in your name; we healed in your name. Surely you remember us, dont you, theyll exclaim.
And Jesus will look at them, and He will look at the Book, and He will look at them, and He will look at the Book, and He will look at them, and He will look at the Book. Then He will say, Depart from meI DONT KNOW YOU!
At church on Sunday many people play Christian. They go through the motions, believing they are genuine Christians, unaware that they are only pretending. Jesus used the word hypocrite to describe such people. They felt insulted to be called that, and so would we. They attended church, prayed in public, lived good lives, separated themselves from the world around them. Only one problem: they did not truly believeit was only make-believe. Like playing an April Fools Day joke.
The worst thing about it is that one day these people will get the shock of their lives when they confront the risen Christ and He will say to them, I know you claim to know Me, but I NEVER KNEW YOU! Now depart from me!
No wonder we are warned, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. Playing king doesnt make one a king. One must be born into the royal family. Phony royalty will lead only to eternal damnation.
Talk about shock and awe.
April 1, 2003
David Alan Black is the editor of www.daveblackonline.com.