I grew up in Southern California and spent many happy times at the Pacific Ocean. One particular beach was my favorite — Laguna Beach. As a child I loved to build sand castles there, hunt for starfish in the tidal pools along the ocean, and, of course, collect sea shells. I have many shells in a glass case from those many happy times spent at the Pacific Ocean. Later on, I enjoyed sitting on one specific rock at Laguna Beach and doing my studying when I was in college. It was a beautiful atmosphere — always a beautiful breeze, cooler than it was inland, and the sound of the waves was so relaxing as they shattered on shore.
I worked two part-time jobs to pay my way through college, so I was especially tired one day when I went to my favorite rock to study. I decided that after I finished writing out my essay, I would take my books and papers with me and go down and lie close to the water and relax a bit. I soon fell fast asleep on the hot sand that was cooled by the ocean water just barely tickling my toes. I had my books and papers next to me, securely under the beach towel I was lying on.
I slept on, lulled by the waves and the sound of the seagulls overhead, as they swooped down to catch their dinner in the ocean. The beautiful sunset was the last thing I recall seeing before I fell asleep. How beautiful is the creation our Lord God has created for us to enjoy!
Rude Awakening
Suddenly I felt like I was being swallowed! As I struggled awake, I thought of Jonah and the great fish that swallowed him up! I realized I couldn’t breathe, and I jerked awake to find I was under water! High tide had come in while I slept! My papers were gone, out to sea — all my homework was gone! My book was floating where I could save it, but all my hard work was gone!
I had not prepared for high tide. We are told to “prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:1212Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. (Amos 4:12)). The consequences of my not preparing were to stay up most of the night and do my homework over again, but the consequences of not preparing to meet the Lord Jesus are far greater. Our Lord and Savior died on the cross and shed His blood so that if we believe on Him, we will be saved and spend eternity in heaven with Him and everyone else who has prepared to meet Him. By not preparing, by not believing on Him, the end will be eternity in the lake of fire! Please trust in the Lord Jesus to forgive your sins. It is the best decision you will ever make in your life, as it will give you eternal life with our precious Lord Jesus who loves us more than anyone ever could. Please close your eyes, where you are now, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ so that you will be saved (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)).