For those who have watched the news within the past week, it is likely that you heard about the typhoon heading to the Philippines. The death toll numbers are increasing ; the devastation is shocking, and it seems as if hope has been shaken.
Haiyan, as the typhoon was named, became the 13th typhoon of the western Pacific season on Nov.5. Experts even predicted that the typhoon would strengthen before making landfall. And it did.
CNN reported that Haiyan was “3.5 times more forceful than Hurricane Katrina.” You’ve seen images of the physical destruction and heard reports that aid is needed.
I am currently reading through Revelation, and somehow, I am drawn to a connection between the storm and Revelation. I’m not talking about the end times, but about the warnings given.
Haiyan was declared a severe storm two days before it hit the Philippines. Those who were not able to leave or evacuate could not escape the affects of the storm.
Likewise, there are clear warnings given in Revelation. There will be a Great Judgment Day for nonbelievers. All who have not escaped death through the blood of Jesus will not be able to avoid judgment and condemnation. There will be no more chances for hope.
As your heart breaks for the images that fill your TV screen and remind you to be grateful for what you have now, remember what is foretold to come. May the images of the current destruction move you to action for the eternal deaths that are to come. May you be an ambassador for Christ so that you provide each person you meet an opportunity to accept the blood of the One, True Lamb.
The Great White Throne Judgment:
11 Then I saw a great white throne and One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12 I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books.
13 Then the sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead; all were judged according to their works. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.