Late frosts weren’t unusual in my warm southern climate.
This particular spring, however, had been unusually pleasant. All the green thumbs couldn’t wait to put aside winter’s dullness and enjoy the beauty of bright blossoms.
On this balmy March day, temperatures danced into the 70s and 80s. Breezes hummed through trees as buds swelled, ready to burst into bloom. Eager gardeners scurried to set out early tomato plants. Flower beds blossomed with colorful flowers taken from greenhouses and nurseries.
Then I heard the weather forecaster warn, “Expect freezing temperatures before morning.” Two cold fronts approached and would plummet temperatures into the 40s with bitter cold sweeping in during the night.
Some ambitious gardeners heard the forecast and prepared their tender seedlings. They dashed about, covering sensitive vegetation and bracing themselves and their new plants for one last winter hurrah. Many gardeners did not. By morning, snow blanketed the ground—the only snow that winter. Tomato plants of the unprepared succumbed to the drastic shock. Delicate flowering plants peeked frozen heads through their unwanted cover of snow.
I thought how these weather predictions reflect the warning God’s Word reveals about the return of Christ. Many hear, yet fail to believe biblical prophecy. Jesus’ disciples asked Him what to expect before His second coming. He warned of false claims and many events to occur. Today, as more and more clues appear, few heed the signs.
Although temperatures plummeted that March night as forecasted, Christ’s arrival will come unexpectedly. No one knows the day or hour, but when He returns, He will judge the world with fairness. Prepared believers will rejoice, but the unprepared will have no second chance.
God wants everyone prepared for Christ’s return. Be willing to warn others to be ready.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Great analogy! Best to be watching and ready for His return!
What a timely example of heeding warnings and the loss experienced from ignoring alerts! This devotional is so needed to be heard in our communities, states, and nation.