On Saturday, 13 January 2018, an Emergency Alert was issued: “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. “The warning caused widespread panic. Why had there been no advance warning? That didn’t matter now; the missiles would strike within minutes! Many people froze with fear and confusion. They knew it was a possibility when the alert system was installed. They went through drills, but most had ignored the threat. Many had doubts there was a threat. Now it was too late! Could they really do anything to save their lives?
Students ran for shelter inside buildings. Drivers abandoned their cars and hid wherever they could find some protection. One couple hid their children in a storm drain, a family got in their bathtub. Some called out in prayer for protection while others cursed government officials for not protecting them. People tried to drive away from likely military targets. What could they really do in the little time they had left? They wanted to live!
Fortunately it was all a mistake! Government officials’ frantically notified people there was no danger. Someone had accidentally pushed the wrong button and set off the alert system. Embarrassed officials apologized for the error and tried to reassure the rattled public it wouldn’t happen again. They also asked people to heed future warnings. The news was filled with accounts of the reactions of terrified residents. Angry words were directed at the President for provoking the North Korean despot and others chastised him for not ending the threat. One thing was made abundantly clear: We are not ready for an attack.
There is another attack we are not ready for. That one began long ago, with 150,000 fatalities every day. It shouldn’t be a surprise, because alerts went out. The alarm is regularly repeated, so everyone should be aware. Unfortunately, most ignore the warnings and others express their doubts about the threat. Maybe they doubt because of the attacks come like a thief in the night. Few have time to protect themselves during the attack. Advance preparation is the only sure defense. A shelter has been prepared so everyone can be safe.
JESUS said “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life” (John 10:10 KJV). Satan is on the attack and shelter is only found in JESUS. Don’t believe those who doubt. They won’t be ready. “For 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). You are not safe until you accept JESUS as your Savior. Don’t wait until it is too late, because “now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2 KJV). Accept GOD’s protection and live forever. The end of this life is here and the beginning of eternal life, if you are prepared or eternal death if you are not!
Wayne Lance (2018)