In July 1976, Israeli commandos made a daring raid at an airport in Entebbe, Uganda, in which 103 Jewish hostages were freed. In less than 15 minutes, the soldiers had killed all seven of the kidnappers and set the captives free. As successful as the rescue was, however, three of the hostages were killed during the raid. As the commandos entered the terminal, they shouted in Hebrew, “Get down! Get down!” The Jewish hostages understood and lay down on the floor, while the guerrillas, who did not speak Hebrew, were left standing. Quickly the rescuers shot the upright kidnappers. But two of the hostages, perhaps to see what was happening, were also cut down. One young man was lying down and actually stood up when the commandos entered the airport. He, too, was shot with bullets meant for the enemy. Had these three heeded the soldiers’ command, they would have been free with the rest of the captives.
Salvation is open to all, but we have to listen to the Lord’s command to repent and be baptized. If we do not humbly submit to His will, we will be destroyed by Him. Paul said, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; …” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). Will you repent (Acts 17:30)? Will you confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:10)? Will you be baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)? Will you “hold that fast” to what you have obeyed (Revelation 3:11; cf. 2 Timothy 4:7-8)?
Kyle Campbell
