No one left behind
Recently, as our government decided to close the long chapter on the war in Afghanistan, our nation (and, indeed, the entire world) looked on with much concern and trepidation as the hasty evacuation process unfolded.
Of particular concern were the daily reports of the American citizens and our Afghan allies who, for a variety of roadblocks and reasons, might not be able to make it out by the August 31st deadline. Indeed, for millions of Americans, and billions of others across the globe, it was a horrifying (even agonizing) prospect to think that anyone might actually be left behind to face the unspeakable consequences likely to be imposed at the hands of the brutal Taliban!
As we watched this scenario unfold, how helpless most of us felt! We wanted to help…we felt compassion…we felt pain, even agony…and shame. In truth, we just wanted someone to do something to help.
As the evacuation deadline of August 31st arrived, much of the world moaned a sigh of despair at the reality that some Americans and loyal Afghan allies had, indeed, missed the last flight out, and now faced the unspeakable, excruciating horrors of being left behind. Hearts were heavy, dismay was common, and tears were shed (even my own) for those poor souls who were left behind to face such a severe judgment.
“…shouldn’t we be even more concerned and broken by the vast numbers who will be left behind to face the sure and eternal wrath of Almighty God?”
Brothers and Sisters, as we look at the prevailing lostness all around us today, and look ahead with great anticipation to our Lord Jesus’ imminent return, shouldn’t we be even more concerned and broken by the vast numbers who will be left behind to face the sure and eternal wrath of Almighty God? Surely, the temporary pain inflicted by the Taliban will be nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to the eternal pain and horror of God’s righteous judgment into hell…into the “domain of the demons”…for all who have not embraced His divine provision for forgiveness and LIFE…for all who have not fully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!
Indeed, while we may not have been able to help save the helpless in Afghanistan from being left behind, praise God, we can provide help and hope to our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and all the Lord brings into our paths by lovingly and faithfully sharing, with each of them, the Gospel—God’s personal message of forgiveness and redemption that is found freely, fully, and forever in the saving work of Jesus Christ!
May we truly so “love as He first loved us”, that we are compelled by an overflowing heart of compassion and concern to help others to know His truth, to experience His love, and to receive His amazing gift of eternal life!
Then, when the Lord’s divine deadline arrives, when the “final trumpet” sounds, there will be no need for fears and trepidation…no cries for someone to do something…for He already has…because we already did!
Semper fi—no one left behind!
Ken Welborn is a member at Stamford Baptist Church in CT and leads the chaplain ministry at the UN for ambassadors.
