“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holly conversation and godliness.” – – 2 Peter 3:10-11
Do you remember the Los Angeles earthquake of 1994? It will be a day never to be forgotten by millions. It changed the lives of thousands; it took the lives of several. The earthquake of Los Angeles was a disaster in the truest sense of the word.
As the victims were interviewed, one phrase was common among all: “It came without warning.” Indeed it did. People were going about their lives as they had the day, the week, the month, the years before – – when there was no earthquake. And they expected none that day. But it came. And it came without warning.
It caught them as they were driving the highway, shopping the stores, conducting business and watching television. If they had only known, they would have made ready.
It will be a day never to be forgotten. It will change the condition of billions. No Richter scale can measure the intensity: no monetary figure can measure the damage; no clock can measure the lasting effect; no psychologist can measure the horror – – of the second coming of Jesus.
“When will it be?!” Jesus was asked that question. We can read today what they heard then – – “But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. . . Watch therefore: For you know not what hour your Lord comes” (Mat.24:3,36,42). Yes, it will come without warning. People will be going about their lives as they had the day, the week, the month, the years before. People will be driving the highway, shopping the stores, conducting business and watching television. If they had only known, they would have made ready.
No wonder we are told to: “be therefore ready” (Luke 12:40), and watch (Mat. 24:42), WATCH (Mat. 25:13), WATCH! (Mark 13:35) – – because He will come without warning!
Gary Henson