OceanSide church of Christ
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HURRICANES, TYPHOONS, CYCLONES, AND FINAL JUDGMENT
Victor M. Eskew
At the
time of this writing, Hurricane Gustav has made landfall in
These types of storms have often been referred to as “acts of God.” They are so-called because they are out
of the control of man. The phrase,
“acts of God,” is deceiving. It
indicates that God creates these storms, directs their paths, and intentionally
causes them to crash into the coastlines causing great damage and loss of
life. In reality, these storms are
caused by our climate and atmosphere.
They are believed to provide balance within nature. Occasionally, they do cross paths with
men. Their great strength can, and
does, bring destruction and death at times.
Due to the constant media attention given to these storms, this writer
has given much thought to them. It
occurred that these hurricanes can be likened unto an event that is an act of
God, the final judgment. Atop Mars’
Hill, Paul boldly proclaimed:
“Because he (God) hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the
world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts
17:31). Let’s look at some of the
comparisons that can be made between hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, and final
judgment.
First, both of them are predictable events. The invention of satellites and radars
has enabled meteorologists to have the ability to track these monster storms
called hurricanes. They spot them
developing in the
Second, both events should be events for which one is prepared. When news of a hurricane’s impending
landfall is issued, most people begin to prepare. Water, food, and batteries are purchased
in bulk. Boats, trailers, and lawn
furniture are either secured or stored away. Windows and doors are covered with
shutters or with plywood. Many
prepare by leaving the disaster area.
They spend a few days with friends, or family, or in a hurricane
shelter. Those who take such
precautions are thought to be extremely wise. Judgment is also an event for which one
should be prepared. Not one person
is going to escape that day. “So
then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12). Several times Jesus issued forth the
command to watch. “Watch
therefore: for ye know not what
hour your Lord doth come” (Matt. 24:42).
And again: “Watch therefore,
for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh” (Matt.
25:13). The word “watch” does not
mean to constantly be looking into the sky for the coming Lord. It means to prepare, to get ready. Sandwiched between the two verses just
mentioned is the “Parable of the Ten Virgins.” These ten virgins went out to meet the
bridegroom. Five of them took their
lamps and extra oil; five failed to take the extra oil. When the cry was made that the
bridegroom was approaching, it happened that the lights of the five foolish
virgins had gone out. Having no oil
to fill their lamps, they went to buy more. “And while they went to buy, the
bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins,
saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But
he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matt.
25:10-12). Note that those who were
ready, went in. Preparation is the
key. The Lord is coming to judge
all nations. Now is the time to
prepare.
Third, both hurricanes and final judgment involve matters of life and
death. There have been numerous
hurricanes that have brought death to hundreds of people. Gustav was responsible for several
deaths on the
For several more weeks, the tropics will continue to produce powerful
hurricanes. Different areas will be
impacted as the storms make landfall.
Thousands, perhaps millions, will make the proper preparations and have
their lives spared. Some, however,
will not prepare. They will perish
in the calamity. There are many who
are like this latter group in the spiritual realm. They are not preparing for
judgment. They live as though it
will never come their way, but it will.
Then, it will be too late.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every
one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad” (II Cor.
5:10).