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. Nonetheless, we encouraged them of the need for prudence. With a newly born in the pram it would have been unwise to risk getting soaked. Hurrying back down, with our eyes on the impending storm, we were able to reach shelter before it broke upon us.
You’ll agree with the wisdom of seeking shelter, and there’s a proverb in the Bible that makes this very point, though on an entirely different scale. We read: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple [naïve] pass on and are punished” (Proverbs 27:12).
For us, the consequence of, or punishment for, not being prudent would have been to get wet, perhaps catch a cold, or at worst suffer a short stay in hospital. However, this biblical proverb hints at 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: “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
The Lord’s judgement upon us is a logical necessity because of who we are, and who God is. We know our own hearts and, while we may not like it, we must agree with the Scriptures – 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 (Revelation 20:15).
However, our Creator is also a loving Saviour, and He has provided, in His Son, Jesus Christ, a hiding place from the coming storm of divine wrath. By His death, Christ has satisfied God’s righteous demands.
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been 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 to the danger, and are punished for their carelessness. Be prudent! Come to Jesus Christ now for refuge and salvation. Do not delay.
