Articles
Are You Prepared?
As I am writing this I have just finished checking weather reports for our area. Depending on which place I turn for information there will be between 3 and 12 inches of snow. I am sure in the days closer to the event predictions will narrow but it illustrates the fact that there are some elements in nature that are unpredictable and uncontrollable. When God questioned Job He made it clear that rain, snow, and hail were controlled by Him alone (Job 38:22-38). Who are we to question God when He has that kind of power and control? As I kept considering the weather reports I noticed how much they all focused on preparedness. News sources warned their viewers and listeners to have blankets, water, flashlights, etc. If people are willing to be concerned and prepared about an uncertain forecast, how much more prepared ought we to be about the judgment day? Have you been in the grocery store the day before a storm? Eggs, bread, milk, and more are cleaned out completely in some cases. If there is a real spiritual danger then why is it so hard to convince folks to prepare by confession, repentance, prayer, and baptism?
The Bible often warns of the importance of being ready. Parables like the 10 virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) emphasize that we ought to be ready for the Lord’s return. Peter warns us to consider historical judgments, such as Noah’s flood, so that we will be prepared for the destruction of the world (2 Peter 2). Jesus warned that we ought to be busy doing the Father’s work while it is day because spiritual night is coming in which no man can work (John 9:4). How prepared are you for these things? What if the Lord came back today? What if the earth was destroyed today? Is your soul in a healthy place with God?
Our congregation has made a commitment to being better Bible students in 2019. We want to emphasize Bible reading, Scripture writing, and teaching others what we learned. Digging into God’s Word deeply is the best way to prepare. Along with our study we ought to be prayerful in our Christian walk. After encouraging the Ephesians wear the armor of God, Paul instructed them to be prayerful and aware as they entered Spiritual battle (Eph. 6:18). You may be ready for a snowstorm but are you really ready to meet the Lord.
