The Wrath of God

“I didn’t know my house was on fire until my neighbor pounded on my door and told me.” This statement is taken from a real-life event, a fire had started in the attic and quickly spread engulfing the roof. And since fire, heat, and smoke rises the occupants did not know their house was on fire until the neighbor told them.

The owner whose house had burned, continued telling me this story, “we were sitting together watching television, the T.V. was on a bit loud due to our new surround-sound system and had no idea that our roof was on fire.” As a firefighter I can tell you it wouldn’t be long before the roof collapsed due to being weakened by the fire. If it had collapsed before they had gotten out, they would have perished.

What kind of neighbor would she had been if she decided to not tell them of the danger they were in? She could have thought, “I don’t want to disturb them because they are watching TV and look happy.” or “it’s none of my business to tell someone they have a problem, they will figure it out.” If someone saw this type of danger and didn’t warn them, they could be arrested for a felony called, “depraved Indifference.” As a society we look down on others who have no regard for the safety of people and sometimes they are put in jail.

Where am I going with all this?

As a brand-new Christian I was sitting in Church when I noticed some guys from my high school. I leaned over and asked, “hey, how long have you guys known about Jesus?” They answered, “most of our lives, why?” I said, “you never told me about Christ, and I could have died in the Sylmar earthquake six weeks ago. How come you never once mentioned Christ?” They looked embarrassed and didn’t answer me.

As Christians we know the coming judgement against those who don’t believe, for some are our neighbors, some our friends, and some family members. Can we say we really love them and withhold the most important truth of their lives? Pray for an opening to explain the Gospel and pray for genuine love to reach them. People can tell if you really care about their souls or are just checking a box in your Christian walk.

May we never walk past a house filled with people while their home is on fire. And may we never walk past a non-believing neighbor, friend or relative without compassion for their eternal judgement under the fierce wrath of God.

Sola Deo Gloria,

John