Luke 21:36 ‘Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.’
DAILY READING; Matthew 12:1-21; Leviticus 14; Proverbs 26
On May 8th 1902 a massive volcanic eruption destroyed the city of St. Pierre, which was one of the largest cities in the Caribbean. St. Pierre was called the “Paris of the West Indies,” because of its beauty, theaters and grand parties. Its political scene was very vibrant and at that time there was a hotly contested upcoming elections between the city’s conservative Progressive party and the socialist radical party, which was slated for May 1902.
However just before this election, warning signs of volcanic activity began to come from Mount Pelee, which was close to the city.
There were small earthquakes, tremors, flashfloods and clouds of steam and smoke. However when the idea of evacuation was suggested to the leaders of the town, they thought it was insane, because they didn’t want anything to interrupt their political and commercial activities. On May 6 the mayor of St. Pierre put posters all over town telling people they were not in any danger. However some people who chose to listen to their inner convictions evacuated the town.
Then on May 8th, Mount Pelee suddenly erupted in a ball of volcanic fire. The superheated gas and steam, with a terrifying roar swept down on the city of St. Pierre, destroying everything in its path, killing about 30,000 people. The Governor and many of the politicians who had said there were no danger were among those killed by the volcano.
We are at a time when warning signs of the end-times daily surround us. But listening to the news and people in the world, it may look as if all is well, and there is nothing to worry about.
Today the world is caught up in many distractive activities and instead of observing the urgent warnings of the Bible, rather there is more concern about political, economical, social and other pursuits.
Despite the increasing warnings, people are holding on to a false sense of security, thinking that all will be well.
Yet, no matter how ‘normal’ things may outwardly appear in the world today, the truth is that the end is actually very close. God’s Word has given such ample warnings that no one has an excuse for not escaping the things coming upon the earth!
Particularly, as believers, this is the time to constantly prepare and look inward to ensure that we are standing right with God. We cannot be complacent and take things for granted. 2 Peter 1:10 tells us to be diligent to make our calling and election sure. And in 2 Corinthians Apostle Paul says ‘Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.’
We really need to pay attention to our spiritual lives at this time to ensure we are growing and really living ready.
The 5 foolish virgins were left behind because they were not ready and lacked oil in their lamps. This is the time therefore for us to constantly buy oil through paying the spiritual price of diligent study of the Word, fasting, prayers, worship and obedience to God’s Word.
Let us indeed watch and pray always, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. [Luke 21:36]
PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the grace to heed the warnings in Your Word and not be distracted by the things of the world. Thank You Lord for enabling me to live right and ready and to always walk in Your perfect Will in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
When God places His hand upon a man in life nothing can come against him, this is because the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. WORDBITE 222