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Code Red

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."¹

Bruce D. Weaver of Newcomerstown, Ohio, shared the following experience: One summer evening, my wife and I drove to pick up our son from Vacation Bible School. The sky was growing dark and there was a storm watch in effect, but no rain was falling yet.

However, by the time we arrived home with our son, the wind was blowing fiercely and lightning bolts were coming down all around us. We hurried inside the house and began to shut windows. Within a few moments we were without electrical power. We tucked our son into bed, trying not to betray our concern regarding the severe weather conditions outside.

I stood beside a window on the west side of the house and looked at the sky, watching intently for a funnel cloud. Suddenly the telephone rang. It was our neighbor informing us that a "code red" had been issued for our area. He confirmed that that meant a tornado funnel cloud had been sighted close by. I asked him why the siren in our small town was not sounding. He informed me it was because of power outage. He further explained that he had heard on his police scanner instructions for everyone who could hear the scanner to call their neighbors to inform them of the "code red." I was thankful for his concern and I was thankful that the funnel cloud sighted damaged neither my family nor anyone else in our area.

Later that evening, I thought about my neighbor's concern for me and I reflected upon my concern, or lack thereof, for my neighbors. Certainly it is important to inform neighbors that a "code red" has been issued by the police, because a funnel cloud has been sighted in the area. But it is all the more important to inform neighbors that a "code red" has been issued by God, because in due time Jesus Christ will return.

God does not want anyone to be destroyed, so God has sounded a "code red," but not everyone knows it has been sounded. Those of us who have been informed need to share the news with our neighbors that God's judgment is certain and that, without accepting His full and free pardon, they will be doomed forever.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for those who told me about Your "code red" gospel message—how Jesus, Your Son, died for my sins. Please use me to share Your "code red" message to others and to join forces with those who are communicating your message to people across the street and around the world. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
 
1. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV).

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