A volcano called the Soufriere was located on the northwest section of St. Vincent, a beautiful green windward island in the West Indies. Although this volcano was mostly dormant and had not erupted for many years, every so often rumblings could be heard from within. Such activity gave warnings that fiery forces were building up within the bowels of the volcano and that a full-scale eruption might take place.
Now, when volcanos erupt, they may do so very suddenly. Often with little warning, red-hot molten lava will be spewed out, raining fiery destruction on every living thing in its path. In order to prevent people from perishing in such a disaster, the government of St. Vincent appointed a guard to be “keeper of the Soufriere.” Brother Edwards, a dependable Christian man was chosen for this important position. Mr. Edwards lived in a little house on the slope of the small mountain which contained the volcano. It was his responsibility to warn the neighbors to flee to safety when especially violent rumblings signaled the likelihood of a volcanic eruption.
In a similar way, dear reader, God has appointed workers in our time who are warning sinners to flee to Christ, the only place of safety. Also the Bible contains many warnings of judgment to come. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:77But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7); and “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night... the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Pet. 3:1010But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10). Just as man could not predict the day that the Soufriere would erupt, so man cannot predict the day that God’s judgment will fall on this world of sinners.
One morning, Mr. Edwards arose as usual, read his Bible, asked God’s help for the day. He was just finishing breakfast when he heard the ominous rumblings. As he listened, the rumblings grew louder and louder. Realizing that the volcano was about to erupt, he immediately left his breakfast and ran down the slope shouting for all the local residents to flee to safety.
Some laughed at him saying, “We’ve heard these rumblings all our lives and nothing has ever come of it.” Others said, “There isn’t any hurry because if the volcano does erupt, it won’t for several days yet, so we are going to save as many of our belongings as we can. We have lots of time!”
“No!” “No!” Mr. Edwards shouted. “Leave now for the volcano may erupt at any moment!” A few people believed Mr. Edward’s message and retreated with him to safety down the mountain side. Sad to say, many rejected or neglected the warning, some even making fun of those who heeded the alarm.
Suddenly the volcano erupted with a violent roar, spewing out red-hot lava. Many of the unbelieving neighbors perished in the fiery destruction, some were cut off as they were trying to escape at the last moment! Too late!
Dear reader, this is only a very faint picture of the terrible eternal destruction that awaits the multitudes of unsaved souls who have neglected or rejected God’s warning of judgment to come. Do you believe the warnings of Scripture? Scripture plainly states that the only hope of escape is in Christ. Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31): “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
ML-10/03/1976