As I write, I am sitting in my winterised (insulated) caravan having prepared for and endured what Britain’s weather forecasters have named ‘the Beast from the East’. By God’s guidance we came to our Isle of Wight home just over a fortnight ago (I had planned to arrive earlier but been prevented) and until the storm had enjoyed mostly good, sunny winter weather. However, the ‘beast’ still gave us a couple of days of severe weather when we were effectively snowbound.

Through this, two things were brought to my attention. First, the accuracy of our forecaster’s weather predictions, and second, the people who ignored the weather warnings - to their cost.

The forecasts enabled me to programme my island work and make preparations for the oncoming storm to within an hour of when the snow and gales hit us.

Whilst snug in our caravan, enjoying good food, friendship and warmth, we heard the news reports of people who got stranded for many hours, freezing in their vehicles - or worse. Of course, among these folks were those who nobly endeavoured to fulfil life-preserving commitments. But there were also others who simply didn’t believe the predictions.

Through this I believe our “Master who made heaven, earth, the sea and everything in them” (Ps 146:6) is warning us yet again of the increasingly urgent need:

1. To both study and gain understanding of Bible prophecies yet to be fulfilled and consider carefully other prophecies given by His servants recently.

2. To make changes to our lifestyles in trust of these prophecies.

I like the Jewish New Testament translation for this: “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man” (Matt 21:34-36).

Now, is our “amen” to this simply an acknowledgement that it sounds credible, or will we in trusting obedience say “Lord and Master, help me to keep watch on myself and to stay alert. Please give me the strength to escape all these things that are predicted to happen, and then to stand in the presence of Yeshua my Messiah”?

Author: John Quinlan