Strength No More

The three children played.  They played for many years.  There was no separation and no intrusion.  These three would never part.  Such are the whims of youth.  Josh, Sam, and Tony would go down together unto the end of all things.  In their exuberance they’d made the traditional blood pact of young boys; the seal of blood and vow.  Theirs was a lasting friendship.

At times they’d been to the same Sunday Schools, the same classes, played on the same ball teams, and liked the same girls.  In their late teens, just before voting age, a separation of spirit came to the Trouble’s Triple, as many called them.  Sam had changed when he received Christ one Sunday at church while Josh was sick and Tony had slept in.  It didn’t take Josh and Tony long to realize the bonding had begun to tear.  Sam didn’t want to do the same ole’ things they used to do.  He’d begun to take life much too seriously for their taste.  He’d even begun to talk about Christian college and learning all he could of the Bible.  Often when they got together Sam would talk about something he’d read in the Bible.  Josh and Tony would hang their heads and say they’d go to church if they wanted to be preached at.  So, over a surprisingly short period of time Sam became an outsider to the other two.  He tried to keep in touch and assure them he cared, but they would have none of it and shunned their life-long friend.  The Troublesome Duo had heard enough preachin’!  Church always made them feel strange during the invitation anyway.  They decided they’d give up on church altogether.  Hadn’t they had enough of the Bible?  They knew all the Bible stories, knew the Ten Commandments, and thought there’d be plenty of time – later.

When Josh was in his mid Forties he developed a terrible cancer.  He called Sam and Tony.  Over the years Josh and Tony had reconnected with Sam, but made it plain they didn’t want to hear any more of the Gospel.  Once in a while they’d let their guard down and ask Sam for advice.  Sam always had sound advice, not always welcome, but sound nevertheless.  At these times Sam would take opportunity to speak of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  So, when Josh fell ill he had called in Sam too. 

Tony fumed as Sam presented the Gospel one more time to Josh.  Finally, Josh told Sam he appreciated the sentiment and concern but he planned on beating this thing and living forever.  So, Sam prayed and reluctantly went on his way.  Tony and Josh shared a familiar grin.  Sam would never change.  He had a strength which never waned.  Even despising his message they could respect Sam for his unchanging pursuit.

One week later Tony slid a sideways glance at Sam to see him weeping for their friend.  Tony felt saddened as well.  He was without his old companion at last.  Nothing could bring the three together again.  The newly dug grave would attest to that.  Had it only been a week since they’d met in Josh’s room? 

Sam tried to talk with Tony.  He didn’t want Tony to gain strength in ignorance as Josh had.  Josh had lived in ignorance of death’s cruel end in Hell’s burning fire and complete separation from God.  Oh, he had heard, but he had refused to believe.  Josh’s unbelief fed the growing Ignorance.  Hell was not real and not for him!  Everyone else seemed ignorant too.  But, no more unbelieving for Josh, Ignorance had died with him yet had not followed.  Josh was left alone without Ignorance.  Now he understood.  Ignorance has no strength for Hell.

The events of a year gone by had been weighing on Tony.  In a last desperate measure he picked up his cell and called Sam.  He told Sam he really needed to talk; no, not today, maybe tomorrow.  Tony hung up feeling better.  A few hours later an Emergency Broadcast began on his television.  The radio was broadcasting the same signal.  It seemed to go on for hours but was only a few minutes.  Finally, a voice came over the speaker declaring a state of emergency and for people to stay indoors.  Tony called his wife with no answer.  He tried Sam with the same results.  He went out to his car in spite of the broadcast.

There was chaos everywhere.  Cars had plowed into each other and off the side of the road.  It looked like the scene of an unexpected ice storm but it was a beautiful day.  There were reports of crashed planes and runaway trains.  Tony began to get scared.  He had heard of this.  He thought he might know what this was.  His suspicion grew with each passing moment.  But, it couldn’t be!  Sam’s house was closer than his wife’s workplace.  Tony knew without any doubt that both his wife and Sam were Christians.  He needed to find a Christian, not a play Christian or a fake Christian, but a real honest-to-God Christian.  His precious wife or Sam would do just fine.  O, God, let him find a born-again believer!

Sam wasn’t home.  His car was there, his house unlocked.  His cell was on the floor with a set of crumpled clothes.  Tony ran for the car and made his way to his wife’s workplace.  His wife wasn’t there.  Her car was there with her wedding ring, purse, and clothes.  The engine of the car was running and the doors were locked.  He then realized he was too late for Christ and knew too much for Ignorance. 

Tony lost the strength to reason, to stand, and to live.  He began to cry, then to wail, and finally to scream.  Have you ever heard a grown man scream?  Tony wasn’t alone.  Much of the world screamed with him.   

Job 6:11 What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?