We sat wide-eyed in the living room, eyes transfixed on the television. The grainy picture, enhanced by the rabbit ears extended toward the ceiling and draped with tinfoil, cast an eerie glow over the room. America was at war.
It was 1991, and I was a senior in high school. Saddam Hussein had prompted Iraq to invade Kuwait, and President George H. W. Bush would have none of it. We, along with the rest of America, watched live video of American forces bombing Baghdad.
The scene repeated itself twelve years later under George W. Bush. This time the purpose was retaliation for the travesties of 9/11. Once again, we watched live, wondering how it would all end. We assumed the superiority of America’s military prowess, but would we find weapons of mass destruction? Would Iraq retaliate with military equipment we didn’t know they had? Were everyday Americans in danger?
In short, how would this turn out?
One day, the world will once again be focused on a single event. This time, however, the broadcasts will beam from Israel.
Word will quickly spread about a couple of lunatics causing a ruckus on the streets of Jerusalem. People around the world will tune in out of curiosity and watch as two men shamelessly proclaim their message to anyone who will listen.
People often preach on street corners, but these guys are different. They carry an air of unprecedented authority. They cause droughts, turn water into blood, and call down plagues on demand. Not to mention, whenever someone tries to hurt them, they decimate the attacker with a fireball. That alone tends to attract international attention.
For 3 1/2 years, the world watches and ridicules this pair of invulnerable and socially awkward mavericks.
Then something incredible happens. They are killed. The world rejoices, happy to be rid of these troublesome prophets. As a further insult, their bodies are left to rot visibly in the street.
For three and a half days the world takes part in an international celebration.
Then, suddenly, the reveling stops. The whole world, vicariously present through cell phones, computers, and televisions, recoils in horror as the men begin to stir. Slowly they rise to their feet, stretch, and peer directly into the camera lenses. Men shriek; ladies faint.
A voice then booms from heaven, and the men ascend into the clouds. Immediately, a massive earthquake strikes Jerusalem, causing immense destruction and death.
It seemed for a while that the enemies of God had gained the upper hand. They had killed His witness. Sometimes it seems that way for us, too. Fortunately, we know how it’s going to turn out.
It may seem like the enemy is winning, but God already has claimed the victory.
