On May 18 the most spectacular volcanic, eruption in United States history occurred when Mount St. Helens exploded. Many people lost their lives. More than 20 bodies have already been found, and it is believed that many of the 75 people reported missing are dead. Hundreds fled to safety. Those who did not flee did not live.
Mike Moore had been camping on the mountain with his wife and family. Then the mountain exploded. Could they live? It seemed that either the landslide, or the hot gases, or the floods, or the ash-something surely must destroy them at any instant. Even the roads were destroyed. Mike and his family trudged seven miles through swirling, choking clouds of ash on the Green River Trail. There seemed to be no way of escape. Could no one help?
Then out of the ash clouds came the helicopter. Mike and his wife waved their arms madly and shouted desperately for help. They felt their need!
They must be rescued or perish in the inferno. Down came the helicopter right to where they were. Soon they were carried to safety.
How this reminds us of our plight in our sins! Before we are saved, we are lost, guilty before God, and in danger of eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Reader, do you feel your need? God says, "The wages of sin is death." You need to be saved. Just as that helicopter answered the desperate signal for help, God is prepared to help us escape the terrible punishment for sin. Will you accept God's salvation?
The helicopter came right to where they were. The clouds and the danger had to be endured if the Moores were to be rescued. But how much more the Lord Jesus had to endure for us. "Christ died for our sins." 1 Cor. 15:33For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:3). The Lord Jesus came into this world, right where we are, and endured the punishment for sins which we deserved. "He was wounded for our transgressions." Isaiah 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5). Now He waits for us to accept His offer of salvation. Will you accept it? "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).