Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
April 11, 2001 Kevin Mackey
The Unread Message
It was the winter of 1776 and the American Continental Army was in grave danger. The soldiers were short of blankets, tents, food and salt. The army wintered without a real victory, having suffered loss after loss. Three thousand citizens of New Jersey had given up and accepted pardons, one of these being a signer of the Declaration of Independence. On December 31, the enlistment of the army would expire and the commanding general, George Washington, would be without an army.
In desperation Washington planned to take his army and field guns across the half-frozen Delaware River to attack, in surprise, the Hessian (German) mercenary army at Trenton. Unknown to Washington, just two days before the attack was to take place, a spy had written to the commander of the Hessian troops to inform him of Washington’s plan to attack on December 25.
On the night of the 25th, the continental army crossed the river and caught the Hessians unaware and mostly drunk. The Hessians were quickly overwhelmed, many were killed, and some 1200 were captured. When the Americans went through the Hessian commander’s effects, they found in his pocket a sealed communication: “General Washington is planning to attack two days hence.”
Why did the Hessian troops perish when they had their salvation literally at hand? This is a good question, one that we must apply to people today. The apostle Paul proclaimed that the gospel “is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1.16, KJV) This time, more than any other time, and in this country, more than any other country, the Word of God is available in abundance. Yet Jesus said that few would find the small gate and the narrow way that leads to life. (Matthew 7.14) Why is it that so many will go to their destruction, when their salvation is literally at hand?
The example of the Hessian soldiers rings true with people today. The message that could have saved them went unread, and therefore unacted upon. So too with many today. The message that could save souls goes unread, and unacted upon. And so, like the Hessian soldiers, they await a sure destruction.
What are you doing with the message God has sent to save you? Will it remain in your pocket or will you answer its call to action?
KEVIN MACKEY
