Saturday 26 April 1986 was not a good day for Ukraine. In fact, it went down in infamy for deadly reasons. It was the day that rendered the town of Chernobyl radioactive to this day. As you know, the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant melted down. The official death toll was put at 31 by the then Russian authorities—and 31 is still the number they hold to. And, by the way, they consider themselves generous at that. Afterall, according to Moscow, there were only 2 men killed by the initial explosion, the other 29 came on the scene as first responders—that’s it! What is it about failure that causes human beings to run for cover? Even the most obvious facts, such as the 4000 people directly affected by the radiation, are ignored as irrelevant.
The Russian government isn’t the only ones guilty of obfuscation. We all take our turns. Sorrow and confession seem to be out of vogue these days. I am amazed when I watch people—sometimes caught red-handed—act as if by minimising a sin it will suddenly make it fine by God and man alike. Confession is not only vital for the soul it restores integrity and potentially mends friendships. I don’t know about you, but when I read Jesus’ words, “But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known” (Lk.12:2), I start thinking about the horror of having my sins exposed in judgment. It is at that point I fall on the mercy of God and seek His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 tells me what God’s response will be: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I’ll take it. Praise the Lord!
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