THERE IS A GREAT STORM BREWING
Psalms 73:27,28 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
Right now hurricane Matthew is making its way up the Florida coast. For a couple of days now the weather department has been telling people that this hurricane will be a very bad one. Even the Governor of Florida has called for a massive evacuation. He even went so far as to tell the people that they must go, because this hurricane will kill them. School buses from neighboring states have been sent to help carry people further inland. We have been seeing pictures of the effects the storm has had on other countries like Cuba and the Bahamas. And although there has been great damage and death, news people tell us that many people refuse to leave their home and go find safety.
As we watch all this on TV, we wonder why people would take a chance with such scary news of what has already happened to others? And yet people still disregard the warnings. Possibly even worse are those people that have heard the scary news and warnings of God’s judgment, yet still disregard God’s warning to find shelter and safety in the atonement of Jesus. On any given day Christian broadcasting on the radio and TV are warning of God’s upcoming judgment. Yet it almost seems to be of no avail. Some of the most impressive minds and personalities act as if it will never happen to them.
This is nothing new though. In II Peter 3:3-14 it says, “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and with water. By water also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” Well, if this was true then then think of how much closer now is the day of God’s judgment? With each passing day less time is there to prepare. Unlike the hurricane Matthew with the days of warning and preparation, the Lord’s judgment will come suddenly like a thief in the night.
Joshua told Israel that, “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Asking Jesus to forgive you of you sins and to come into your heart is the only way to prepare for God’s judgment. Jesus said that there is no other way to the Heavenly Father, but by him.
Many have already died by ignoring hurricane Matthew, and many more will simply because they would not listen to the warnings given them. What will you do today regarding your standing before God’s judgment. While Matthew can kill the body, God can send the soul to eternity in hell. It is good to be near God and the safety that comes through Jesus. Call on Jesus today!
Prayer: Holy Spirit, please help warn people to turn to Jesus today before it is too late. We love you Holy Spirit, and ask this in Jesus’ name.
