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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Joplin Tragedy

After several attempts yesterday to reach a friend in Joplin, Missouri, I was able to speak with him by phone. Previously, the phone had just kept ringing. So it was quite a relief to hear his voice and to learn he and his wife were safe. Although their house is only four blocks from where the tornado touched down, it did not sustain any damage.

Apparently, quite a few people believed the prediction that the world would end May 21. It didn’t—but you know that. However, life ended May 22 for 123 residents of Joplin, when a killer tornado crushed and blew away a large section of their city. Little did they know eternity was so near! But then, no one knows “what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1). Potentially, we all live within a heartbeat of being recalled by our Maker.

I do not know how many believers were among the 123 who were killed by Joplin’s horrendous tornado, but I do know they are “at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).

As you reflect on the life-ending power of recent tornadoes, settle this question without procrastinating: If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven? If your answer is anything but yes, you need to believe on Jesus Christ as your Savior right now. John 3:36 promises that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”