The Battlement for the Roof

Deuteronomy 22:6-8

2:27 p.m., March 30, 1981. President Ronald Reagan, the 70-year-old president, had only been in office for a few months.  After delivering a speech to leaders of the AFL-CIO he came out of the Washington Hilton. Waiting about 15 feet away was John Hinckley Jr., holding a .22-caliber revolver. The president waved to the crowd.  Then he stepped toward the open door of his armored limousine.

Six shots were fired and the nation froze.  Press secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and D.C. police officer Thomas Delahanty were all wounded. One bullet struck the limo\’s armored glass; another ricocheted off the car.  Jerry Parr the lead agent pushed the President into the limousine.  A command was given and the car sprung forward.  Then Jerry Parr noticed that the president’s mouth was frothing blood.  He told the driver to rush them to the hospital.

Proper security procedure had been followed but still we came close to losing a president.  Surrounded by Secret Service agents ready to offer their lives in sacrificial protection all precaution had not been enough.  And yet, it is absolutely necessary.  In like manner, following the supreme command to love our neighbor as ourselves may not always been enough, but it is our responsibility as Christ followers to watch out for others.   We have the message of salvation,” the battlement for the roof,” (vs/ 8) that can keep them from falling to their eternal ruin.

By Dr. Gayle Woods

 

 

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