A Cow Fell From Heaven
Glen Young
The dazed crew members of a Japanese trawler were plucked out of the Sea of Japan clinging to the wreckage of their sunken ship. Their rescue, however, was followed by immediate imprisonment once authorities questioned the sailors on their ship’s loss. Every single one of them claimed that a cow, falling out of a clear blue sky, had struck the trawler amidships, shattering its hull and sinking the vessel within minutes. Impossible!
They remained in prison for several weeks until the Russian Air Force reluctantly informed Japanese authorities that the crew of one of its cargo planes had apparently stolen a cow wandering at the edge of a Siberian airfield, forced the cow into the plane’s hold and had hastily taken off for home. Unprepared for live cargo, the Russian crew was ill-equipped to manage a rampaging cow within its hold. To save the aircraft and themselves, they shoved the animal out of the cargo hold as they crossed the Sea of Japan at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
We are not quick to accept those things which do not fit into our conventional thinking. While this is not necessarily bad, it can and often does cause one to close their minds to truth. This is seen in the way many reject the Bible, God’s written word. Paul points out, that some consider the preaching of God’s word as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). Yet, God’s foolishness is wiser than man’s wisdom.
Religion of modern times has found its strength in its appeal to the desires of people. It focuses its message on ministering to the whole man. The building of social and recreational facilities in the name of doing God’s work is rampant in our world. To many, Christianity is to make men happy. This quest for happiness has led to the introduction of all manner of unscriptural activities. The reason these things are accepted is found in Psalm 50:21. Hear the words of the Psalmist. “These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.” The problem is that those who participate in the social gospel believe it is acceptable to God because they think that what pleases them also pleases God.
Those who think as the Psalmist describes, are somewhat perplexed when shown that their activities are not acceptable to God. They just can’t believe that it is wrong to use instrumental music when singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. After all, the singing sounds so much better with instrumental accompaniment. Likewise, because they enjoy fellowship meals and recreational activities sponsored by the church, they see them as acceptable to God.
To the wise of the world who think the Bible is a myth, beware: “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 1 Corinthians 1:19. To those Christians who corrupt the work and worship of the church, be careful for “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. …” 2 John 1:9. “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (NKJ)
The little story about the Japanese trawler and the cow illustrates how easy it is to form conclusions without all the facts. Investigate the scriptures daily so that you will be able to recognize the truth (Hebrews 5:14). To do less, will put your soul in jeopardy of the eternal damnation which awaits the wicked!
The Road Creek church of Christ Bulletin