Back when I was a very passionate Christian, I went to church more than most sane people would. There was many times I would go to a church function 4-5 times a week. There was one story that the preachers would love to return to. It was given as a modern parable. Even though it wasn't in the bible, it was used by more than one preacher. I heard this story in a sermon by preachers in three states. So it must be a story that is pretty important to them. What is this great story? Well, it's been decades but I will try to remember it the best I can.
A man is sitting on his roof as the floods are coming in. The water is only 3 feet high, but using a ladder he was able to climb up to the roof to keep dry.
A man on a jet ski comes by and sees him on his roof. The man shouts up to him, "Jump on down and I can take you to dry land."
The man responds with passion, "No, you go on. My lord and savior will protect me."
So the man in the boat moves on to rescue others in need.
A few hours later the water reaches six feet high. It is almost above his door. The man keeps praying. A motor boat comes by and asks him, "Come on into my boat and let me take you to dry land."
Again the man replies, "No, you go on. I've prayed to Jesus and he won't let me down. I trust in him."
The man in the boat shakes his head and drives away.
After a few hours more the man has had to move to sitting on his chimney. A small aircraft drops a ladder down and tell him to climb up. Again he refuses. "I have prayed to God and he will save me."
The ladder goes up and the helicopter flies away to save others. After a few hours the man sadly dies.
When he arrives in heaven he confronts God. "I prayed and I prayed, but you never rescued me lord. Why not?"
God shakes his head, looks down at the man, and asks one question. "I sent you a jet ski, a boat, and a helicopter! What more did you want?"
The moral of the story is that sometimes God gives us the tools and hopes that we get up off our lazy butts and do some work.
I remember this story when I think of people who offer up thoughts and prayers. Our children are dying. God has given you the tools to stop it.
Now I'm a godless heathen now, but maybe this story will help some of my Christian friends rethink how we can stop children from being shot to death several times a month.
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