by Chris Steele

Long before a hurricane hits, we hear about it. The closer it gets to landfall, the more warnings are given, especially to those who’s safety is of concern. Some heed the warnings, some don’t. Regardless of our response, when the storm hits, there are many consequences that follow in the aftermath.

God’s Word gives warning of many things; sin and unbelief (Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14), the devil’s ways (2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:14), false teachers (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; Colossians 1:28; 2 Peter 2:1-2), unfaithfulness and apostasy (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:23-31; 2 Peter 3:17; Revelation 2:5).

We must take heed to every warning that comes from God while we are still in this life. We must work the works of God, “while it is day; for the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4; cf. Hebrews 3:13-15). “As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Unlike hurricane tracking with its spaghetti models and probabilities of when and where the storm will strike, the Lord gives no time frame of His coming and judgment. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:32-33). Peter tells us, “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10). There will be no warning! Jesus said it will be like those in the days of Noah. People were going about in the business of their daily routine when the skies open up and the rain began to fall. It was too late to do anything about their soul.

The devastation of two recent category 5 hurricanes in Central America and Mexico reminds us of Katrina, Rita, or even Ivan a couple of years ago as they moved through the gulf states. These things serve as a reminder of what can happen if people are unprepared. These powerful storms with all the damage that they can produce, does not even begin to compare to the loss of one soul in judgment should we not heed God’s warning (Matthew 13;42; 25:30; Luke 16:23ff). “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26ff).