The moment occurred many years ago. As it was told, a tornado warning was issued for the plains of Kansas. The people knew it was approaching. The swirling clouds gathering in their familiar darkened colors. However, one family was in the middle of an argument and said that they would find shelter after they had “ironed out their dispute.” The report was that a handful of them survived the storm, but most perished for lack of safety.
They knew it was coming, but for whatever reason, the dispute was more important than the 150 mph winds. By the time the storm came, they were ill-equipped to find safety. Some might have won the argument, but it came at the cost of their lives.
Things seem so important at the time: debates, ambitions, pursuits of all kinds. However, juxtaposed against the coming “storm” none of it will matter. John opened up his book with these words: Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Look closely at the last line: The time is at hand, or “the time is near.” He wrote his book 2,000 years ago. I wonder, if John thought the time was near in his day? How close are we in ours? Jesus is coming! The clouds are gathering and the pressure has increased. Jesus said, Matt 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
My admonition is for those who have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. Put aside the trivial. Moreover, anything that does not concern itself with the Kingdom, the Gospel, Prayer, the Church, soul-winning, or discipleship should be minimized to the point of obscurity. In Kansas, the wind destroyed the house and all those who were bent on making their point. They failed to heed the warning sirens. It lifted the roof and scattered the furnishings five miles in every direction. Those that remained, mourned the fact that they were too busy making their case that they ignored the storm. All they could hear was their own voice.
Today is the day of Salvation. We will hear the Word and we must align our lives accordingly. Our city must know of the Name of Jesus and the Gospel much be preached. His praise must be heard and His Truth must be proclaimed.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole