a 2 minute read

‘A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.’

Proverbs 27:12

Some weeks after the birth of our youngest child, we went out for a walk in the Malvern Hills. The forecast was for changeable weather, and not wanting to be caught in a downpour, we kept our eye on the skies in the distance.

We reached the top in sunshine, but then noticed the heavy rain clouds coming our way. Our boys were reluctant to leave so soon. They were enjoying the moment, the weather and landscape, and wanted to play on. Nevertheless, we encouraged them to be prudent with regard to their baby sister. Keeping our eyes on the impending storm, and hurrying back down, we were able to reach shelter before the storm broke upon us.

This is a simple example, and the consequence or punishment for not being prudent would have only been to get wet, perhaps catch a cold. However, it is a picture of a greater storm that lies on the horizon of each one of our lives – a storm that will break with ferocity to our eternal destruction.

‘For it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment’.

Hebrews 9:27

The LORD’s judgment upon us is a logical necessity because of who we are and who God is.

We know our own hearts, and while we don’t like it, we must agree with the Scriptures, that we are morally depraved, guilty sinners. As for our Creator, He has revealed Himself to be righteous and holy. Therefore, our sin condemns us before a holy God, and we all face the impending doom of eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.

However, our Creator is also a loving Saviour, and He has provided a hiding place from the coming storm of divine wrath – His Son, Jesus Christ, who by His death has satisfied God’s righteous demands.

‘God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.’

Romans 5:8,9

How will you respond?

Don’t be like the simple, who pass on apathetic of the danger, and are punished for their carelessness.

Be prudent! Come to Jesus Christ now for refuge and salvation. Do not delay.