Code Red

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.”

(2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

 

One summer evening, Pastor Bruce D. Weaver of

Newcomerstown, Ohio, and his wife drove in their car

to pick up their son from Vacation Bible School. The sky

was growing dark and there was a storm watch in

effect, but no rain was falling yet. The theme for their

upcoming Vacation Bible School had to do with Noah’s

ark and the flood, so he joked with some of the adult

leaders about going to great lengths this year with

special effects.

 

He soon discovered the weather that evening was no

joking matter. By the time he arrived home with his wife

and son, the wind was blowing fiercely and lightning bolts

were coming down all around them. They hurried inside

the house and began to shut windows. Within a few

moments they were without electrical power. Pastor

Weaver and his wife tucked their son into bed, trying not

to betray their concern regarding the severe weather

conditions outside.

 

Pastor Weaver stood beside a window on the west side

of the house and looked at the sky, watching intently for a

funnel [tornado] cloud. Suddenly the telephone rang. It

was their neighbor informing them that a “code red” had

been issued for their area. He confirmed that meant a

funnel cloud actually had been sighted somewhere near.

Weaver asked him why the siren in their small town was

not sounding. The neighbor said that the siren could not

be sounded because of a 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.”

 

Weaver was thankful for his concern and he was also

thankful that the funnel cloud sighted damaged neither

his family nor anyone else in their area.

 

Later that evening, Pastor Weaver thought about his

neighbor’s concern for his safety and he reflected upon

his own concern, or lack thereof, for his 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, reflected

Pastor Weaver, so God has sounded a “code red,” but

not everyone knows it has been sounded. Those of us

who have been informed ought to share the news with

our neighbors.1

 

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please give me a loving

concern for my loved ones and neighbors and give me

an opportunity to share the gospel with them in a natural,

easy and non-offensive way. Please do this through me.

Gratefully in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

1. Today’s Daily Encounter is from King Duncan, Editor

of Dynamic Preaching. www.sermons.com