Since the deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, former heads of terrorist operations in Iraq and elsewhere, there have continued to be suicide bombings around the world. At this writing they do not seem to be as frequent as in years gone by, and this may be because of Covid-19. The drop in frequency of such suicide bombings is deceptive. We might be deceived into thinking we have been successful in subduing such a mindset. Unfortunately, those who have a propensity toward such violence and force are as alive today as it was when the terrorists flew jet planes into the New York Twin Towers almost twenty years ago. As Rush Limbaugh was fond of saying, “Don’t doubt me on this!” The same mindset that motivates terrorists to carry out the horrific deeds that make news also motivates groups like Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and the Ku-Klux-Klan to promote violence in those cities where they think they can get away with it. Let the violence lessen in one area, and it seems to crop up in other areas. The past half-century has taught us one important lesson, namely that things will wax worse and worse throughout the Christian dispensation. So long as the devil is around, he will continue to be that “roaring lion” going about seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Consequently, the evil in this world is and will continue to be rooted in inevitability.

It has not been that long ago when Americans seemed to think mad bombers were “over there,” and we were isolated from the influence of such insane acts of violence. All that changed at the turn of this century – September 11, 2001, to be exact. While it appeared that we were safe and secure, we were already hearing warnings of “inevitability.” After 9/11 the consensus of politicians and public leaders was that attacks on American soil were inevitable. Former FBI director Robert Mueller went on record (5-21-02) as stating that suicide bombers are inevitable, even here in our country: “It is inevitable that suicide bombers like those who have attacked Israeli restaurants and buses will strike the United States [and] we will not be able to stop it.” Such language, to say the least, is a little unsettling. Except for the Civil War, American citizens, since the founding of this nation, have been exempt from war on our home soil. Unlike Europe, Africa, Japan, China, and other nations, we have not experienced an invasion of the enemy, occupation by another nation, or the threat of physical harm because of warfare on our homeland. Those sentiments are no longer true. Dan Rather, shortly after the attack on the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001 observed that the words in the fourth stanza of “America, The Beautiful” read thus:

O Beautiful for patriot dream,

That sees beyond the years.

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears.

America, America! God shed His grace on thee.

And crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea.

The words “undimmed by human tears” were the focus of Rather’s comments. In tears he pointed out that now our cities have been dimmed by human tears. We have experienced firsthand the invasion of an enemy. And we are afraid! That fear is heightened by the uncertainty of time and place. As former FBI Director Robert Mueller noted, “I believe it is going to come…Now, is it going to happen today, tomorrow or two years? We’re not certain.” Meanwhile we have our own form of terrorism here in the United States. Unbalanced and unhinged (and I might add, unlawful) individuals seem to think that taking innocent lives in order to make some kind of “statement,” or gain some twisted form of notoriety is the new norm. They take it upon themselves to enter a movie house, or post office, or former place of work, and gun down innocent bystanders. Will it happen again? Probably! Will we get any warning? Probably not! This was precisely Muller’s point. Of course, Mueller can only guess what lies down the road. We need not become unsettled because of one man’s opinion, nor should we live in fear that some mad man is going to walk into the local Walmart and “pull the string.” Now to the point of this article. Why is it that folks can become so unsettled over something that may or may not ever happen, yet totally ignore the warnings of something that really is inevitable? Let me explain.

There is an event, the precise date unknown to men that awaits the whole of mankind. Of course, you know what I speak. “Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29). “For we must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). “It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). “But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only” (Matt. 24:36).

Why is it that our reaction to the announcement of an “inevitable” threat to our physical wellbeing has such a profound effect on our emotions, while we give so little thought to another “inevitable” promise that faces all mankind, past, present, and future generations? Comparing the two events, consider the following:

First, there is the possibility factor. Even with all the input from some of the top government agencies at his disposal, Mr. Mueller can only make an educated guess. It may turn out that he is right, and that indeed suicide bombers ARE inevitable. But neither he nor his constituents can look into the future. On the other hand, our God is omniscient. He has proven His power in this area by predictive prophecy that has come true 100% of the time. As to the possibility of the judgment, you can rest assured that day will occur.

Second, there is the time factor. When it comes to probable terrorist acts on our home soil, the FBI director admits, “We’re not certain.” All available information is brought to bear, and still, “We’re not certain.” Who knows the mind of a terrorist, what time frame that might constrain him, or events and circumstances that may bring about the opportunity for his intended actions? Who among men can predict that some madman will walk into his workplace and shoot innocent victims? As for the judgment, “no man knows, not even the angels in heaven.” Why is it, then, that men think they see the “signs” of the Lord’s return in judgment? The precise moment of the judgment cannot be determined, and men manifest their arrogance and foolishness when they attempt to pre-guess or circumvent God.

Third, there is the purpose factor. Why do the FBI, CIA, and other intelligence agencies think it important to provide advance notice of an “inevitable” attack by terrorists? The answer is obvious. So that we can be alert, prepared, and ready for such an event and thereby minimize the injury and loss of life. God has warned us of the judgment. He has even told us that He is not willing that ANY should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Additionally, He has provided a “way of escape” (1 Cor. 10:13). He has promised to see us through if we will but trust and obey. How grateful we are that God has warned us of that “inevitable” event.

I am puzzled, however, that so few give serious consideration to the Divine warnings concerning that coming day of Judgment. The only conclusion I can come to is that they must not really believe that the Judgment Day is “inevitable.” I wonder!

By Tom Wacaster