We spent several sunny, happy days on the beach and in the waves. But then one day threatening winds picked up, and by evening it was a full-blown storm. The park ranger came through the campground and told us that this was a tropical storm just under hurricane force, with winds up to 70 m.p.h. We were to drop our tents, stay in our cars, and wait for further instructions. About 9:00 p.m. he knocked on our car window and told us that everyone in the camp must follow him up to the ranger station, about a mile away.
The park ranger warned us about the tropical storm, and the Bible warns people about another storm, the likes of which the world has never known - God’s Son judging the world of sin. Hebrews 2:33How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3) warns, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) tells us, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name [Jesus] under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” We did exactly what the ranger said. It would have been foolish not to. But have you done exactly what the Bible says? It would be foolish not to.
We parked at the base of the tallest lighthouse in the world, with its sides painted black and white in barber-pole fashion. We slept fitfully in the car, because the ranger station was wall to wall with people in sleeping bags. All through that stormy night, as strong wind gusts lifted and shook the car, as pouring rain beat down and as the waves crashed a few yards away, I would look up and watch that lighthouse sending its warning beacon out through the storm. And I was at peace, knowing the Lord Jesus had His eye on me and my little family all through that dreadful storm. He declared in John 8:1212Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12), “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” I knew that no matter what happened, we were sheltered by the precious blood of Christ.
The next morning the sun was shining and the ferryboat was back in service. As we drove back to the ferry, we were aware of how high the tides can become during these storms. The road was littered with sea creatures, crabs and shells. We were reminded of the song:
We have an anchor which keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock [Christ]
which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.
In 1999, because the shoreline was receding and nothing could stop the steady erosion of the waves, the National Park Service, at great expense, moved the Hatteras lighthouse a half mile inland. But our Beacon, “the true Light” (John 1:99That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:9)), “shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:88I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8)), nor shall those who put their trust in Him.
ML-05/27/2001