The most horrifying thing on the Western plains is the dreaded prairie fire. Until the rains set in, the dry scorching summer months are spent in fear and suspense. Every suggestion of haze or smoke is intensely watched. When once a fire starts and is swept by a breeze, its speed strikes terror in man and beast, mercilessly consuming all in its way! Many, powerless to escape, have perished and their farms have been reduced to ashes.
Others, with presence of mind, seeing their danger, have found one way of escape and have been saved by it. They have stooped and set afire the long dry grass, at their feet, and, then, as soon as the blaze had burned off a space, taken refuge by standing where the fire has been. Thus, just in time they have been saved from the oncoming devouring flame. It was a case of life or certain death!
Yet more solemn and terrifying will be the coming wrath and judgment of God upon this world that has crucified, and ignored the grace of, His beloved Son. It is “reserved unto fire against the day of judgment” (2 Peter 3:7). “I will punish the world for their evil” (Isaiah 13:11). “Ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). “To flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7). “For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).
But thanks be unto our gracious God who has provided a place of safety where the fire has already been. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18). On Calvary’s cross He was, as it were, enveloped in the “fire” of God’s righteous judgment to save the trembling sinner who will flee to Him for refuge (Hebrews 6:18).
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish” (John 3:16). “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).