Trapped!

Several years ago, there was a terrible accident on Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. A popular attraction on the lakes in this tourist area was a land tour and lake cruise in amphibious (operating on land and water) vehicles. These craft were WWII vintage, and were called “Ducks” because of the acronym “DUKW” for the vehicles’ military designation.

For the passengers’ comfort, the touring company had installed a canopy overhead, stretching from the front windshield to the rear of the craft.  The only way for passengers to get in or out was over the stern.  On this fateful day, 21 passengers and crew happily embarked on their excursion, anticipating an enjoyable afternoon seeing the sights.

Tragically, after the “Duck” had ventured about 300 feet off shore, something went dreadfully wrong.  The craft began to fill with water very rapidly, and in about 30 seconds it sank into the lake’s deep water, stern first—trapping the passengers inside. There was no way out for those in the front of the passenger compartment. It was a terrible, catastrophic event as 13 of the 21 passengers drowned.

Investigation later revealed that, during routine maintenance, bilge pump hoses were incorrectly attached, so that instead of expelling water out of the hull they instead drew water into the hull of the craft. This deadly mistake brought terrible loss of life, and much pain and suffering for the families involved.

When we learn of such heart-rending tragedies, we often cry out to God, seeking answers as to why such things happen. When blame was being sought in a tragic incident, Jesus Christ commented, “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4-5).

Wise King Solomon put it this way, “I returned and saw under the sun that—The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. For man also does not know his time: like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them” (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12).

We need to grasp that this world—or the age (Greek: cosmos) in which we live—is not God’s world, not His age. At present, an evil being—Satan the devil, God’s adversary—has sway, and he will until Jesus Christ returns in power and glory to conquer him and establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Jesus Christ foretold of worsening conditions ahead that will befall the whole world, yet He promised deliverance for those who seek His Kingdom and obey Him. “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

Yes, you can escape! While there is still time, seek to do God’s will! This is not to say that true Christians will never have accidents or suffer loss. But, in the great overview of God’s plan, true Christians will not be trapped by the evil one. In the meantime, we can take comfort in knowing that those who were lost in so many awful accidents of this age will have their opportunity to understand the plan of God and to accept it or reject it in the resurrection.

Our 24-lesson Tomorrow’s World Bible Study Course, available absolutely free—online or in print—can deepen your understanding of God’s way of life. The course is entirely free of charge, but in order to gain that understanding you need to enroll and study the material. Do not let yourself be trapped—sign up today!