Flee from the Wrath to Come

Early one morning fire broke out in a house on a narrow street. The alarm was sounded by a policeman on duty. Before the fire engines could get to the scene, flames were leaping high into the air. Suddenly a young man appeared at an upper window in his pajamas. Firemen quickly placed a ladder against the burning building. But to the dismay of all, he refused to come down, shouting back that he had to get dressed first. The firemen pleaded, “Come as you are! Come as you are!” but to no avail. From below they tried to ascend the stairs, but were turned back as the wind fanned the flames into fury. When a rescuer tried to enter through a window, the heat and smoke forced him away. Suddenly the stairs gave way and the roof fell in. The man had waited too long and was buried beneath the ruins. (Author Unknown).

This short story should remind us of how much greater tragedy awaits all who fail to “flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7). There is a great day of wrath coming. “But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7). A hard and impenitent heart will destroy us. The apostle Paul wrote these words in Romans 2:4-5: “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”

If you are not a Christian, I want to encourage you to “flee from the wrath to come” by obeying the Lord and be saved before it is everlastingly too late. Jesus does not make you obey Him, but he does invite you. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). He also says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Do not delay. Your delay could cost you your soul. Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins. “Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). It is unfortunate that some Christians are negligent in their service to the Lord. Once one becomes a Christian one must remain faithful to the Lord. “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away...” (Hebrews 2:1-2).

Jesus requires of everyone to bring forth fruits to show true repentance. “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance...” (Luke 3:8). Jesus is pleading for you to obey Him and come to Him now, before the fire of the evil one engulfs you forever!