Roadkill: The Tragedy Of The Groundhog

Good News – February 2012 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Roadkill: The Tragedy Of The Groundhog

The pudgy groundhog seemed to live without worry as he burrowed holes in the farmer’s field. At certain times during the day he would feed near a running stream. At times he would climb up to a busy road, where he would stand on his hind legs and look at traffic. As cars traveled back and forth, the groundhog would dart across the road, barely reaching the other side without being hit.

Throughout the year, he’s considered a pest by farmers because of the damage he does to fields and crops. But on February 2, Groundhog Day in the USA, he’s celebrated for being able to predict more or less winter weather by seeing or not seeing his shadow.

One day as I was driving to work, I saw a groundhog on the side of the road. Instead of standing, he was lying on his back with his paws in the air. He was dead – hit by a vehicle. After spending a life of burrowing, running around, feeding his family, and being celebrated on Groundhog Day, he was now roadkill, one of many animals that die every day along roadways.

When it comes to tragedy, people have something in common with the groundhog. According to the Bible, people without God, even though they may be honored in this world, will die just like the animals. “Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish” (Ps. 49:12 NKJV).

It is unlikely that the groundhog, being an animal, ever thought about his final hour. He continued to do what was natural. Despite his best intentions and daily activities, his life came to a tragic end.

So it is with human beings. We may do what seems natural and have no regard for God. We might be busy with our jobs and families, and live without any thought about life after death. But one day it will all end, because the Bible asks and answers this question: “What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:14).

We may not die as roadkill, but death will certainly come. When it comes to a person who does not know Jesus as his Savior, that person will be judged and eternally separated from God in hell (Heb. 9:27). This judgment is necessary because of sin, “for the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Because God is holy and just, He must judge us (Acts 10:42; 17:31; 1 Pet. 4:5).

Thankfully, God loves us and has provided an answer to the sin problem – His Son, Jesus Christ. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16).

Even though we will die in this life, we can live forever with God. When we put our faith in Jesus to save us, our death becomes a doorway to eternal life with Him. All we have to do is ask Him for forgiveness and for His free gift of eternal life.

If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, you have already received His wonderful gift of everlasting life. If not, you can do it today. Pray now and ask Him to forgive your sins and save you. You will be forever glad you did. We can tell you how.

By Roscoe Barnes III