We have the ability today to watch the weather via satellite and via the news, and know when storms are coming, and the likelihood of rain is about to transpire. How often have we seen the radar images of rain coming from Alabama? How many of us, when the hurricanes hit earlier this year, watched with trepidation and fear, thinking about our loved ones in Florida, and considering the possibility of an enormous amount of rain and wind hitting us in Georgia? We knew they were coming, and we were powerless to stop them from coming.

The Bible tells us that there are some things that are inevitable as well. Just as we can see the storms on the way as we watch the weather radar, we can know that there are some things coming to each of us that are inevitable.

DEATH IS INEVITABLE. The Hebrew writer wrote in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” We do not know which breath will be our last. We do not have the promise of tomorrow, and James tells us that our life is as a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away (James 4:14). Our life is swifter than a weaver’s shuttle (Job 7:6). As we grow up, we think mom and dad will always be around, but, if the natural course of things transpires, we know that one day they will be gone. As we grow older and our bodies have more aches and pains, we know that we are slowly but surely, coming closer and closer to death. We pray that our death will be painless and that we may just go to sleep and not wake up. But death is inevitable. We cannot escape it. It is sure and certain.

JUDGMENT IS INEVITABLE. We don’t know when the Lord will return to this earth—we do know that he will return. Note 2 Peter 3:10: “But 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.” Note also 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10: “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.”

We cannot look at a radar screen and tell the time and moment of our Lord’s return—all we can know is that He will come again and judge the world (Acts 17:30-31). Hence, we need to make sure that we are living like He will come at any moment, as 2 Peter 3:11 (Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness) emphasizes to us.

Realizing that judgment is coming will help us to put everything into perspective and help us to remember that this world is not that important (2 Corinthians 4:18).

May God grant us the wisdom to always be prepared, even though we cannot see on a radar screen when the Lord will return. Are you ready?

Adapted from the article, SOME THINGS ARE INEVITABLE by Steve Ellis, Gospel Advocate, Nov 2004.