The Kingdom of Heaven is Like the WV Mine Tragedy

Please do not get the wrong impression from the title of this post. My hearfelt prayers have been lifted Heavenward for the families and friends of the miners who perished in this accident.

The waiting for news from the mine must have been tortuous. Not knowing what would be discovered when the miners were found. Then, in 20 minutes, from the misinterpretation of one side of a phone conversation the news was spread - most found alive! "Our loved ones are OK and we will see them soon." The bells rang, the laughter pealed, the hugs and tears and prayers filled the entire town. Then, within 3 hours, the awful truth that all but one was dead changed the laughter into threats of violence, the bells rang in mourning and the tears of joy were replaced by tears of grief and sorrow. "Praise God" became "Why, Lord?" But there were some, just a few, who said that it was not the time to be angry. It was not the time to cast blame. They must come together and make it through as one.

Some spiritual lessons can be seen, even in tragedies like this. As I watched the events unfold, I was reminded of my history lessons. In the days leading up to October 22, 1844, there was great uncertainty. Some were anxious. Some were dreading. All were waiting. As the time of the believed second Advent of the King of Kings drew near there was excitement and jubilation amongst those who were yearning for the event. Their Most Loved One was about to be reunited with them. But as the time came and went, the disappointment was palpable. Many, in fact most, turned away - some angry, some bitter, some disillusioned, all disappointed.

But there were a few who said, now is not the time to be angry, now is not the time to cast blame. We must come together and study the word so we can make it through as one. And they did and discovered that, as in the WV mine accident, there had been a communication misunderstanding. They thrilled at the thought that, Jesus still would come! It was not time for His return to earth, just a time for his role as our High Priest in Heaven to change.

How about you? Have you had deep dissapointments? Do you find yourself asking, "Why? What's the use?" My friend don't give up. Now is not the time. Why? Because, without a shadow of a doubt, I can tell you that Jesus is coming soon! And this time it really will happen! Are you ready?