The Delphic Oracle
Croesus, the rich King of Lydia who controlled much of Asia Minor, consulted the Oracle at Delphia in the year 549 B.C. to find out if she thought he should attack the Persian King Cyrus. The Oracle said: “If you go to war you will destroy a great empire.”
Encouraged by the Oracle’s response, Croesus marched against the Persians. He was decisively beaten, and the Persians then invaded Lydia and captured its capital, Sardis. Croesus became Cyrus’s prisoner. Croesus sent messengers to the Oracle at Delphi asking why she had deceived him. The priestess replied that he had not been deceived; he had indeed destroyed a great empire .... his own!
Unlike the Delphic Oracle, God's Word speaks plainly of the dangers, risks, and rewards of our actions. Scripture tells us what God does not permit, what are sins, and what we should or should not do. It also implores us to repent of our sins and turn to the Lord. It warns us of what will happen if we don’t, and it tells us how we will live forever in the Kingdom of Heaven if we do!
"As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him" (Psalm 18:30).
Were Lost Sailors Really Lost?
Lost at sea for nearly 5 months, two women had harrowing tales of survival that included shark attacks. They also claimed that 6 forms of communication all mysteriously and simultaneously malfunctioned. The Coast Guard, however, suspects that for some reason these women did not want to be found.
That's because it gets even weirder: Besides the malfunctioning of all forms of communication, there was also an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board their vessel. This device should have virtually guaranteed their rescue. Yet, for some reason, it was never turned on. Their excuse was that they never felt they were "truly in distress."
I wonder how many lost people simply do not want to be found. Perhaps they're afraid that coming to Christ will mean a change of lifestyle. Or, maybe they're like the prodigal son who had to hit bottom first. Sadly, many know of the saving grace of Christ but choose to remain adrift, lost at sea, believing they have time. They know the EPIRB is on the boat, but they don't feel the urgency to turn it on.
"For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Bumper Sticker Accountability
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Call it a speed bump-er sticker.
Dennis and Cindy Kovac, concerned when their daughter collected her second speeding ticket, issued a warning—to other drivers.
They put a bumper sticker on her car that reads, “If I’m Speeding, Call My Parents,” and lists the family’s phone number. …
So far at least at the time of the publication of this article!, there have been no calls and no more speeding tickets—just a little ribbing from schoolmates.
Her parents are pleased with the results.
“That sticker may save some lives,” Cindy Kovac said.
As we are recklessly speeding through life, sometimes all we need is a little accountability to slow us down and give us cause for caution.
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20, ESV).