The little girl was seriously injured. There was also a fatality. This, because no one had yet invented the threelighted traffic signal. Until then, there was only a flag that would say stop or go.
Another time, many women were locked inside a large New York City sewing room, their workplace. It was called “a sweat shop,” but that only sanitized what it really was - a “death trap.” One day, a fire consumed them. A large number had already died due to smoke inhalation. No one had yet invented a mask which filters air in gas or smoke-filled areas.
One man was heart-sick over these many unnecessary deaths. He wanted to eliminate as many accidents and injuries as possible. Garrett Morgan (1877 - 1963) was system. Mr. Morgan also invented a gas mask which he proved one day in the early morning hours. After a gas explosion, trapping several miners, he went in wearing only his pajamas (yes, that’s correct) and his invention. Mr. Morgan rescued many survivors. This incredible man deserves credit for saving countless lives. Though you may never need to wear a gas mask, any brave fireman will tell you how invaluable this essential piece of equipment is for saving lives.
However, due to ignorance, prejudice, or foolishness, some buyers canceled their orders for these life-saving devices. Why? During the 19th century, Mr. Morgan’s mother was a slave! How would you respond? Over the past two thousand years, countless numbers have scoffed at and rejected the story of God’s love, hope, and forgiveness. Jesus Christ freely offers these to everyone. Foolishly, many continue to scoff, rejecting their only hope.
That choice is like a person trapped in a smoke-filled, burning building. The fireman offers them a mask so they can leave alive; they foolishly say,“Nah! I’ll take my chances with the smoke.” Really? How would you respond? bbGhost Riding is a dangerous choice many teens foolishly make. High on drugs, and getting into a stolen car, they recklessly go driving through city streets -- at night! First,the driver turns the headlights off; then he takes his passengers speeding through neighborhoods, deliberately careening through city street intersections. Sounds deadly, but being high on drugs gives them all a sense of invincibility, ending tragically! How would you respond?
Sin also brings a tragic end! Why live without the forgiveness that Jesus wants to give you? God says, “The pay you get for sin is death, but God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord” (Romans 6:23). How would you respond?