Need For Preparedness!

Five years ago today at about 10:55 a.m. we experienced some significant shaking going on in the western part of Washington State. The news in our area over the last several days has been reminding us of that earthquake which became known as the “Nisqually Quake”. This quake was centered south of Seattle and northwest of Olympia, but the tremors were reportedly felt as far away as Salt Lake City, Utah, up into Canada, and down into Oregon. Though this earthquake measured 6.8 on the Richter Scale and was reported to be one of the strongest in Washington State history, there have been quakes in other parts of the country and around the world that have caused more significant damage as well as loss of life than this one.

Among the discussions and news bulletins immediately following this quake February 28, 2001, was a focus on the need for preparedness. That same discussion continues today as the five year anniversary is remembered. Experts say the BIG ONE is coming, but how many have made preparations? As time passes, the memory of the possibility of more quakes seems to fade with people going back to their usual routines and preparations are neglected.

The BIG ONE! Who can predict when it will be? There is much in life that can take us by surprise and it is difficult (if not impossible) to fully prepare for every possible happening. Therefore we need to focus on preparation for that which is among the most significant to life.

Jesus encouraged the disciples that He was going to go and prepare a place for them. ( John 14:2) His desire was that where He was, there they would ultimately be also. ( John 14:3) We can be assured that what Jesus prepares will be completely adequate and worth entering into. Nevertheless we must be prepared for when the time comes for departure from this realm into the next. Have we focused on preparing or are we living as though we think we have all the time in the world? It is far too easy for time to get away from us and the greatest tragedy would be for of all the events of life, for the BIG ONE to come and we find ourselves not ready to meet the Lord.

During Jesus’ ministry He referred to His coming to be like during the days of Noah. Noah tried to warn before the BIG ONE came, but the people would not listen. Everyone continued to go on with life as usual right up to the time Noah and his family entered the ark and then the flood came and swept them away. ( Matthew 24:37-39)

Jesus went on to give another analogy as He exhorted toward preparedness.
“(42) Therefore, STAY AWAKE, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. (43) But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. (44) Therefore YOU ALSO MUST BE READY, FOR THE SON OF MAN IS COMING AT AN HOUR YOU DO NOT EXPECT.” ( Matthew 24:42-44 ESV)

Heaven has been referred to as a prepared place for a prepared people. Are we? Of all the great events and happenings of life the truly BIG ONE is yet to come and we must be prepared. Let us remain alert to the way in which we are going about each day of our life. May our actions and choices continually be with eternity in mind.

Have a great day LIVING EVER PREPARED TO MEET THE LORD!
Carl

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