Rain had been falling for the past several days, but this afternoon it seemed even heavier. Traffic was light on the British Columbia highway that went around Howe Sound. The north-south highway made its way over bridges crossing small creeks and scenic gorges that fell away to the Sound below. Today, the tall evergreens were partially hidden in mist, and clouds blocked the canyons. By now the rains had become so heavy that the normally small creeks had become raging torrents, and the canyons were funneling mud and debris into the water below. One lone car traveled the highway through the heavy rain, its wipers sweeping steadily against the constant downpour, with the driver, no doubt, wishing he were at home.
Soon, in his rearview mirror he saw another car overtaking him, and with a flying splash of spray it went on by. He watched it for a moment, and then it disappeared.
Disappeared?... WAIT A MINUTE! Quickly his foot hit the brake, which sent his car into a shivering skid! He suddenly suspected... if that car had dropped out of sight, then that must mean the bridge ahead was out! His car was sliding sideways as he fought for control, but he had to stop! It seemed like forever until it finally did stop, and his suspicion was indeed confirmed — the bridge had washed away!
For a moment he felt weak with relief and thankfulness. Then a thought struck him — he must warn others of the danger! Quickly he jumped out and ran back through the rain.
When he saw another car coming he began to wave his arms and shouted, “STOP! STOP! The bridge is out!” Without even slowing down the car went on around him and off into the mist.
Surely that next car would stop, so on he ran, waving his arms and shouting again, “STOP! STOP!
STOP!” In utter disbelief he watched as, with horn blaring, the car went on around him and disappeared!
We are told that “He [God] hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.” Acts 17:3131Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31). Men, women and children are being warned to flee the wrath of God. Are you listening to that warning, or are you speeding on to everlasting judgment? God offers you safety and forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ, by that great work on Calvary’s cross where He shed His blood for any who believe in Him. Stop and seriously think it over; eternity is forever!
As another car came into view the man increased his frantic efforts. By now he was soaked to the skin, but he hardly knew it; he was so intent on stopping another car from plunging into the canyon. This time his efforts were rewarded... the car stopped, and a roadblock was quickly set up.
Though God is patient and not willing that anyone should be lost, we have no guarantee on our life here. Not one of us can be sure we will be here for another year, another day, another hour or even the next minute. The cross of Christ is the roadblock between time and eternity.
Stop, my friend. Do not go another step without Christ as your Saviour, for without Him you face the blackness of darkness FOREVER.
ML-05/15/1988