Heavy storms had been sweeping across the flat Louisiana parishes, and thunder was still muttering in the distance when a small boat set out on Lake Bistineau. It was not a good time to take a boat out, but lawyer Graves Thomas wouldn't wait any longer. He just had to go out in his new ski boat, no matter what!
Thunder rumbled again, nearer this time, and it was clear that the only wise course was to go back to shore. Thomas was exasperated. Jumping to his feet in the back of the boat, he shook his fist towards heaven and shouted defiantly, "Here I am!"
Moments later a lightning bolt struck him down.
Even though there was a doctor nearby on a houseboat, and they made every effort to revive him, they were unsuccessful. Graves Thomas was dead.
Not many people would stand up in an open boat in an electrical storm, making of themselves a perfect lightning rod. Not many people would openly challenge God as Thomas did. And very few meet such an instantaneous response. But be sure of this: "God is not mocked."
It is as dangerous to go on in indifference, ignoring God's warning, as it is to openly defy Him. You may not hear the rumbling thunder that tells you to be careful, but God is speaking to you today, perhaps even in this little paper you are reading now. He is warning you of a coming storm, telling you to get to port before it breaks, offering refuge and safety if you will only take it.
You need not shake your fist in the face of God to come under condemnation. John 3:18 says: "He that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Just not believing! How serious is unbelief? "He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar." 1 John 5:10. That is as bad as Graves Thomas's bold challenge, isn't it?
On the other hand, God promises that "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned." John 3:36, 17, 18.
Believing, or not believing?
Condemned, or not condemned?
Which are you?