Pictures keep coming in from the devastating fires in California. The scale of destruction is hard to comprehend. An entire town was reduced to ashes. Homes, businesses and countless vehicles were destroyed by the flames. Worst of all is the increasing death toll. In this age of smart phones, social media and 24-hour news, how could people be trapped and lost in the flames?
This isn’t the first time fire has ravaged huge parts of California, in fact if happens almost every year. Seasonal winds, coupled with drought, increasing development and a powerful conservation effort make this a predictable outcome. Add earthquakes, mudslides and the high cost of living, and you might wonder why people live there. With all its problems, I can understand the lure of California. Last year we drove through part of the affected area. Beautiful weather, gentle hills (covered in thick, dry grass), fertile valleys, towering mountains and trackless forests make you want to stay awhile. Add the Pacific coastline, all four-seasons and the fusion of many cultures and you might think you are in paradise.
You might have been right, unless you lived in the town of Paradise that burned to the ground. Not to add to their torment, but surely they knew about the potential for disaster in that area? Maybe they didn’t think it would ever happen, or thought they would be spared? Now their worldly possessions are destroyed and some have lost their life. I pray the survivors can rebuild and recover from the losses. I would understand if some decided to leave it all behind. For others, they waited too long and can never leave. They just need a place for their grave.
That’s somewhat like coming to JESUS. People choose to live on the edge of danger, even they have heard of the awful consequences. The scale of destruction is hard to comprehend. 150,000 people die each day and only a fraction of those know the LORD. Worst of all that number is increasing every day! In this age of smart phones, social media and 24-hour news, how could people not know the danger they are in and accept JESUS?
This isn’t something new. Sin has been destroying souls since the world began. We were warned, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 KJV). With abundant life available, why do people continue in sin? The pull of sin is strong. Satan works in our minds, using our selfish desires and pride. We want the world and Satan says we can have it. The destruction from sin is plain to see, but he says you can sin now and accept JESUS later, but that’s a trap. He offers religion, to make you feel better, but that won’t save your soul.
GOD is where you find truth and love. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). JESUS died to pay for your sins, but you must accept Him as your Savior. If you wait too long, He will be your judge and you will be lost in the flames.
Wayne Lance (2018)