Flirting with Death
Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee • 5/6/2024
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Pro 14:12)
Karl Wallenda (born 1905, Magdeburg, Germany—died March 22, 1978, San Juan, Puerto Rico) was the founder of the Great Wallendas, a circus acrobatic troupe famed for their three-man-high pyramid on the high wire.
The troupe first achieved fame in Europe for doing a four-man pyramid and cycling on the high wire. In 1928 they joined the U.S. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows, where they developed a seven-man pyramid (1947). The Wallendas later performed as free-lancers. When the pyramid collapsed during a 1962 performance, two members of the troupe were killed and a third was paralyzed. Another was killed in a 1963 accident and still another in 1972. Karl died in a fall from a wind-whipped wire stretched 123 feet (37 meters) above the pavement, between two hotels in San Juan. Karl was warned of the winds that day but ignored the warnings. Basically stating “the show must go on.” Whether or not the deceased are with Jesus, we do not know. That’s between them and God. I do personally believe they pridefully sought fortune and fame but traded it for the grave. In their lives, these 'performers' flirted with death often.
I personally knew a 49 year old man who abandoned his wife and family for a life of drugs, crime and lascivious behavior and bragged about his escapades on a social media platform. The man was warned repeatedly of his chosen lifestyle and the gospel of Christ was shared with him repeatedly from several sources, but he chose to reject Jesus in his life. He continually flirted with death. He told some that he knew about the Savior but never “put Him on.” (Rom 13:14) Jesus told us, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt 7:20) I personally did not see any Biblical evidence of Salvation and definitely not a repentant heart. This young man died of drug complications and more than likely spending his time in hell with the rich man in Luke 16:23. Our acquaintance flirted with death and lost. He ignored a chance to live in heavenly bliss with the Lord Jesus, who died for our sins. (1 Cor 15:3)
My dear friend, I ask you this out of concern. How about you? What kind of life are you leading on earth? Are you at peace? “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:18) Only the Lord Jesus can give you peace and understanding. And best of all, eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 6:23) Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3:20)
He’s Waiting.
Thanks for “Taking 5" • Gary Waddell • Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee
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