Mount Vesuvius
At noon on August 24, 79 A.D.
the decadent pleasure of the Roman city, Pompeii, came to an end. As the peak of
Mount Vesuvius erupted covering the city with fifteen feet of flowing lava and
ash, lethal gas belched from the volcano’s innards killed those attempting to
hide in cellars and stone buildings.
Wealthy Romans vacationing in the idyllic resort
doubtless anticipated a winning evening at the prominent gambling
establishments, or perhaps a visit to one or more of the numerous brothels in
the city. Probably none would have anticipated that death was already knocking
at life’s door. They were people who lived for the moment with little regard for
the eternal consequences of their life styles.
Suddenly fear gripped the area as a monstrous noise
muted everything else, and the only thought became self-preservation.
The events of Pompeii remind me of the admonition of
Peter to his readers in 2 Peter chapter three, that the “Day of The Lord” will
come upon the unprepared world at a time when they least expect it. It will come
at a time when scoffers willfully ignore the historical facts of Scripture, and
disdain the free gift of salvation. Then as the dreadful “Day of The Lord”
unveils itself fear will drive men to hide in basements, but there shall no
shelter be found from the fervent heat of God’s Divine judgement.
You and I, who believe the Scriptures to be the Word
of God, ought be impressed by that Word toward a new sense of urgency in
offering the only shelter which will stand against that dreadful day, the
shelter which is Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.
The decadence and unbelief of this age are
demonstrated time and again by the willful disregard for Godly principles of
living even among those who know His truth and profess to be His children. I
find it difficult to believe that those of that era could surpass the
degradation and unmitigated filthiness of contemporary citizens of this earth.
Which belief leads me to anticipate His soon return, and stirs my heart to
communicate His way of deliverance to as many as possible.
Have you shared the saving grace of Jesus Christ
personally with someone recently? If not, don’t you think it is high time you
are about the primary business to which He has called you?
© 2010 Mike Rasberry
faithwalk@usa.net
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