On January 15, 1919, one of the strangest disasters in American history took place in Boston, Massachusetts. A massive molasses tank in the city’s North End neighborhood burst, sending a thick, sticky 2 million gallon tsunami through the city. It may sound funny at first, but imagine being caught in a flood of syrup 15 feet deep. It was a true tragedy. The molasses devoured buildings, trapped unsuspecting citizens, and even cost 21 lives. Rescue efforts were incredibly difficult because the more people struggled, the more they became stuck. It has been said that the city had the smell of sweet syrup for years after the tank failure, creating a perpetual reminder of this bizarre day. This event became known as Boston’s Great Molasses Flood.
Sin produces a similar situation for our souls. At first, sin may seem harmless. It may appear to be something sweet and easy to manage. But over time, it overwhelms us like a wave and we end up drowning in the thing we thought as so sweet and good. Proverbs 5:22 puts it like this:
The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him,
Proverbs 5:22 (ESV)
and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.
Many of the people in Boston had no hope of breaking free from the Great Molasses Flood, but we don’t have to stay trapped spiritually. While the molasses disaster was nearly impossible to escape from, there is a Savior who can break the cords of sin. 1 John 1:9 tells us,
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
The message is not complicated. God is good. He is faithful to forgive us and clean us up, and he is right when he does.
If you are struggling with sin—whether you feel trapped in its consequences or are being tempted to step into it—understand the dangers of what you are up against. Sin may seem sweet at first, but it will consume you quickly like the Great Molasses Flood. The good news is that Christ not only forgives, but also provides us with a way of escape.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
We do not have to be stuck. The same God who forgives also frees. Turn to Jesus today, friends.
Bee-Attitude
Blessed are you who flee the dangers of sin, for you will find freedom in Christ.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
