On December 26, 2004, a severe earthquake (9.0 on the Richter scale) took place under the Indian Ocean. Gigantic waves were produced (a tsunami) that moved very rapidly in all directions from the site of the earthquake.
No one was prepared for what happened. It was perhaps the greatest natural disaster of modern times. More than 175,000 lives were snuffed out without warning, and eleven countries were affected. One of the worst hit was the island of Sri Lanka off the coast of India. Banda Aceh, on the island of Sumatra, also suffered tremendous damage and loss of life.
Some who survived the disaster said in despair, “What did we do to deserve this?” When Jesus was on earth, He was told of a tower that fell and killed eighteen people. Jesus said, “Think ye that they were sinners above all men?...I tell you, Nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4-54Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:4‑5)). It was not just a question of sin and deserving death; it was a matter of preparing for an eternal future. The prophet Amos said, “Prepare to meet thy God,” because you do not know when your time will come to leave this world. Be prepared!
A man who had had a very profitable business saw it all wiped away in the waves. He mourned, “Now I have nothing!” How sad for him, but sadder still is one who lives only for earthly possessions to the neglect of his soul. It should make you fear to delay another moment. It was too late when the wave hit; it will be too late when death overtakes you.
Tourists enjoying a luxurious vacation in the tropics were not spared. Many were killed. Survivors sometimes exclaimed, “Our paradise turned into hell!” People who live without one thought about God or eternity will suddenly meet their doom. They will find themselves in that awful place called “hell,” because they did not come to Jesus for safety. He has made the way so simple that a child can understand. If you know this, are you ignoring the fact that your immortal soul is in danger? Neglecting the offer of the Savior’s “so great salvation” has the same end as rejecting Him-a lost eternity!
It is easy to think that disasters happen to someone else, but death is no respecter of persons. Khun Poom Jensen, the grandson of the king of Thailand, probably felt very happy and secure, surrounded by four bodyguards and several friends, as they were riding the waves on that beautiful morning, but he was taken by the wave just as the thousands of humble rice farmers and fishermen who lived in the little straw and mud huts along the beaches.
The whole world was shocked at the great loss of life, and many nations, agencies and individuals responded with much-needed assistance. Food, water, shelter and medicines flowed into the stricken areas in an enormous mercy effort.
God, too, has not left us helpless in our sinful condition. He has already sent help! “The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:1414And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:14)). Have you accepted that help? Have you come to Jesus for salvation?
Come to Jesus NOW! Tomorrow may be too late.