Pictures continue to bombard our computers and televisions with scenes of absolute devastation in the Bahamas caused by Hurricane Dorian. Headlines in our local paper read “Decimated!” Over 2500 people are still missing. How dreadful! These people lived on a small island and had few places to go even if they sought shelter. Those who have survived are desperate for the basics—just food and clean water—that we take for granted.

This scenario was also true in 1900 when the worst hurricane in our history–the Great Galveston hurricane—ripped through Galveston, Texas, killing 6,000 to 12,000 people. The Weather Bureau got the forecast wrong, and people were unprepared. Unlike forecasters today who have access to mass communication, satellites, and storm tracking equipment, the authorities then were oblivious to what was about to happen and failed to warn the people. The result: thousands died or were left homeless to search through the rubble.

Thanks to modern technology, people in our country were able to flee Hurricane Dorian. State and local governments called for evacuations. In my own family, my Grandson Luke, his wife Hayley, her Mom Jenny, Dad Steve, and brother Logan, left their homes in Wilmington to ride out the storm with me in Salisbury. People along the east coast had time to take shelter, to move to evacuation centers, and to board up their properties.

But what about storm clouds in the spiritual realm? It is sobering to think that people were warned and warned that judgment was coming in Old Testament days, but they chose to disregard the alarms and faced destruction.

Then Jesus himself came and echoed this warning: “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2 NLT)

Finally, John wrote vividly in Revelation that there will be a day when the world as we know it will be judged.

Why is it that we relish sermons that teach of the love of God but cringe when someone speaks of divine judgment? We serve a mighty God—a God of love but also of judgment. When Jesus returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, it will be to judge the world and its inhabitants. (Matthew 25:31-32)

Why is it we pay attention to warnings to save our lives and our property, but we disregard warnings to save our very souls?

I had a dream some time ago. In the dream I was at the intersection of Wise Way (Truth) and Folly (Lie). In a state of panic, I woke up before I chose my direction.

Later as I thought about the dream, I was reminded of a passage in Proverbs:

^“Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.
She calls to the crowds along the main street,
to those gathered in front of the city gate:
“How long, you simpletons,
will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
How long will you fools hate knowledge?
Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
and make you wise. . . For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. but all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:20-23, 32-33 NLT)

There is an old hymn that we used to sing in church when I was a child. Its refrain is very convicting:

“There’s a great day coming,
A great day coming,
There’s a great day coming by and by,
When the saints and the sinners shall
Be parted right and left,
Are you ready for that day to come?

Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready for the judgment day?
Are you ready? Are you ready?
For the judgment day? (Will Thompson, author)

Challenge: What about you? God’s Word clangs the somber tones of the warning bell. Judgment is coming. We don’t know when or exactly how, but it’s coming. Which street have you chosen—Wise Way or Folly—Truth or Lie? Is it time to change direction—to repent—to do a U-turn away from sin and run into the Savior’s waiting arms? Or, if you are a Christian, is it time to carry out the Great Commission and share the Gospel with others?

The Scriptures are very clear:

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:36-44 NLT)

We unwisely assume because it has been hundreds of years since Jesus was resurrected that we have plenty of time. We need to remember what the Word says:

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:8-9 NLT)

How about you? Are you ready?

 

Holy God, King Jesus, thank you for your promise of eternal life in heaven through faith in you. May we take very seriously your call to repentance and ring the warning bell for those around us before it is too late.