The well-known seabird, the stormy petrel, is rightly credited with a sensitive presentiment of a change of weather. Fishermen in Iceland keep their weather-eye upon him. Should he fly far out over the waters, it is a sign of fair weather, and they can pursue their calling with their frail barks upon the treacherous waves without fear. But should the petrel be seen flying landwards, it is a sign that a storm is gathering. Wise men will head at once, for the harbor of shelter and safety. To remain at sea after that, tossing to and fro on the waves, would be to run the risk of meeting with a watery grave.
How strikingly this reminds of the state of things in the world in relation to Christ! Man, since he cannot see God, acts in his unconverted state as though He were a long way off. He reckons that the outlook is fair, and sails fearlessly and heedlessly through the world, feeling sure that he has plenty of time to enrich himself with its offers of wealth, honor, or fame. He sees no sign of coming danger. Death and judgment to him are vague, a long way off in the dim uncertain future, and the latter possibly only a tale that is told after all! His present life and home are here, and they engage nearly all his thoughts. He esteems it his interest and duty to do the best he can for himself. But alas, he has no sense that his heart and mind have been blinded by the god of this world, and he sails on regardless of the warning sign of Scripture, "Behold, the Judge standeth before the door." James 5:99Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. (James 5:9).
On the other hand, the troubled soul looks up. He sees Christ on high, but also at hand (Phil. 4:55Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5).) He hears His warning voice telling of His coming soon as Judge, and entreating him to flee to Him at once as Savior. He is the only harbor of refuge and safety from the coming storm. Forewarned by His precious words of love and grace, and forsaking forever the delusions of Satan and this storm-threatened world, as a wise man he steers straight for the harbor. In Christ Himself who died for sinners he finds a present haven of shelter, rest, and peace.