A LITTLE ago the sky was blue and the sun shone brightly upon a placid sea, or upon waters only rippled by a gentle breeze. Such a scene is very attractive to those who go out in their boats for fishing or for pleasure.
But now the blue in the heavens is no longer seen. The sky is overcast with clouds which are carried swiftly along, growing heavier and blacker each minute. The waters are troubled by the rising wind and the waves beat higher and higher. The boats are in danger and the men hasten to row them to shore—letting down the sails that would, in a ‘strong wind, cause them to be overturned. There is no time to be lost and the men are no doubt thankful that the shore is so near at hand. They will soon be safe from the coming storm.
Dear reader, there is a “coming storm” far more terrible than the one suggested by our picture—a storm that will carry with it far more desolation, destruction, and death than any storm that has yet been witnessed. It is the storm of God’s wrath—a storm that will utterly destroy all in its path. Thousands, millions of precious souls are hastening on, engrossed in pleasure and business—heedless of this storm that threatens. If it were not for God’s goodness, not one would escape its ravages. But God is good and He has made a way of escape. He has afforded a place of shelter in the person of His own beloved Son. We have all sinned and by sin have earned the wrath of a sin-hating God. But the great love of Jesus, the Saviour, led Him to take upon Himself all the wrath due to our sins, and now, for us who are sheltered by His blood the judgment is past.
Have you taken shelter or are you too much engrossed in the affairs of this life to “flee from the wrath to come”? O, do not be blinded by the allurements of this world “for what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:3636For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36).) Your soul is far too precious to exchange for the pleasures of time, or for the vanities of a Christless world. God who gave it demands it for Himself. Why not commit it to Him, and in His presence spend an eternity of joy?
Do not delay. The clouds are gathering thick and fast. Flee for shelter to those loving arms outstretched to receive you just as you are, in all your sin.
ML 06/10/1917