Fred Grimm was one of 12 mountain climbers who were climbing Mount Adams last May 18. Thirty miles directly west of them Mount St. Helens was in plain view. As they approached the top of Mount Adams, they saw a sudden puff of smoke come from the top of St. Helens. Fred recalls, “Then within two or three seconds it appeared that the north side of the mountain just blew out! The whole top of the mountain was engulfed in the column of smoke. It rose like an atomic explosion with sort of a shock wave that went to the north.” Within seconds the top 1200 feet of St. Helens disappeared, blown miles into the air.
John Christiansen, another of the mountain climbers, said, “The heat was intense. We began to notice the big, black cloud developing overhead. It started to blot out the sun and then it began raining ash.” The climbers were pelted with fine hail, then pebbles, and were even hit with singed and sand-blasted pine cones from the volcano 30 miles away; however, no one was hurt at this distance.
Meanwhile, on the north side of Mount St. Helens, David Johnston was camping. He was a scientist studying volcanic activity. From his observation station he constantly monitored the volcanic activity close up. Then suddenly the volcano erupted! David grabbed his shortwave radio: “Vancouver, this is it! This is it!” he shouted. Then there was silence. A shock wave of hot gases flattened the trees around his camp and destroyed his trailer. David was dead. The moral is: view it from a safe distance.
The sudden destruction from the volcanic explosion reminds us so vividly of the judgment that is to come on this world. God says in the Bible, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:1010But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10). Just as certainly as Mount St. Helens blasted itself to pieces, this world is doomed to total destruction. And it is all because of the sin of man!
View it from a safe distance! You do not have to suffer the judgment of God. The Lord Jesus “was wounded for our transgressions.” Isaiah 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5). He took the punishment for sin that I deserved. You, too, deserve God’s judgment, but you can escape it by accepting His free offer of salvation. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” 1 Peter 1:44To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4)
Between the peaks of Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams is a wide valley. Those on the Mount Adams side of this valley were safe. Those on the Mount St. Helens side were in danger; in fact, many were killed. It reminds us that God speaks of “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:1414Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14). On which side of the valley of decision are you standing? Have you chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour?
ML-08/24/1980