The pictures were all too clear! The little girl was struggling to escape from the grip on her arm, as the determined man dragged her away. The video camera rolled on unnoticed until the “missing child alert” went out. Then the search for clues to her disappearance quickly turned up the little camera, and the tape was viewed — viewed and broadcast widely on TV.
The phones at the police station began to ring: “I know that man!” “That’s the fellow who works at the station!” “It can’t be my neighbor. He seems such a nice man!”
But it was the seemingly “nice” neighbor; the callers all recognized him — his face, his clothes, even his tattoos, and the court-appointed defense lawyer had an impossible task. There was no arguing with the camera. Sadly, only the body of the child was found.
Another unnoticed camera was rolling one night in a little store. The night clerk was alone behind the counter when a young man came in looking for money or drugs. The clerk refused him. The intruder leaped over the counter, gun in hand, and fired one shot — one fatal shot. There were no witnesses — at least, no living witnesses — but the videotape that was running showed the whole sequence of events clearly. Another impossible task for a defense lawyer!
Surveillance Everywhere
Even the small details of everyday life do not escape that continual surveillance. Certainly an unmanned tollbooth on the highway has tempted many a driver to pass by the booth without paying, only to be surprised a few days later to receive a notice that his license plate was photographed at such a place and such a time, and the fine is _____!
These are not isolated incidents. We little realize how often our actions are “caught on camera”—how many little cameras are rolling all over the world. Technology has made possible a huge network of surveillance, although it is very, very limited. It cannot compare with the all-seeing eye of God.
God Is Omniscient
Now that is something to think of with wonder and awe. We know that God is omniscient: Do we know what that means? He knows all. All? Yes, truly all. Even the “thoughts and intents” of your most secret heart. “Intents”? Acts not even committed, only thought about? If God can do that, what sin can be committed without His knowledge? Not one!
The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, said, “Nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither anything hid, that shall not be known” (Luke 8:1717For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. (Luke 8:17)). If even our worst, most sinful thoughts are known to God, what chance have we of entering into His holy heaven where nothing corrupt or defiling can enter? None at all, in our own efforts, our own worthiness, our own goodness.
Forgiveness
But God, “who is rich in mercy,” has made a way. He gave His Son, His only beloved Son, to die for our sins. Isn’t that just overwhelming? God’s Word, the Bible, says it so plainly: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)). More than that, we are promised that “whosoever believeth in Him [Jesus] shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43)).
“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered” (Rom. 4:77Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. (Romans 4:7)). Sins covered and forgiven! And it is God who covers them, that same all-seeing, all-knowing God who says “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
Have you admitted to God that you are a sinner and received that wonderful forgiveness? There is no entry into heaven without it!
Echoes of Grace, 2006