Themes Heed God's Warnings

A HUGE MISTAKE

In the southwestern part of the state of Washington, is perhaps one of the most fascinating land forms on the North American continent. It has inspired awe and admiration for centuries. Native peoples call it "Fire Mountain" and for good reason. It is known as Mount St. Helens, a very famous, and at times, ferocious volcanic mountain.

A brave few have dared to scale its icy summit while thousands of others have painted, photographed, admired, and marveled at its scenic beauty from a distance. Mount St. Helens is not a product of human engineers, builders, sculptors or decorators - it is a masterpiece designed and created by the awesome power of God.

Mount St. Helens, however, is not just a passive mountain of grandeur. Beneath its slopes lie forces of unpredictable magnitude. It was in the early months of 1980 that scientists started to notice earthquakes unlike any recorded before. There were several small avalanches, and then on March 27, a large column of ash and steam rose 7,000 feet above the peak. Scientists and emergency workers began to plan for the possibility of a major eruption of the mountain. A large bulge began to form on the north side of the summit and officials began to close the roads. Now, those who lived in the danger zone were asked to leave. Many were reluctant to leave their homes, but most did, recognizing the foolishness of ignoring the warnings.

Harry Truman was the manager of a vacation lodge, located on the beautiful shores of spirit Lake, at the base of the mountain. Emergency workers arrived to tell Mr. Truman of the increasingly dangerous position he was in. They told him that if the volcano ever erupted, he would be right in the path of its deadly flow. They urged him to leave his lodge behind and move to safety. Despite their pleas, Mr. Truman flatly refused to leave. He decided he would rather stay and take his chances. After all, he had lived in these parts for many years, and nothing had ever happened before to cause him to worry.

On May 18, 1980, shortly before 9 A.M. the mountain shook and its peak exploded. Searing hot blasts of gases, rivers of mud, debris and molten rock thundered down the side of the mountain. When they hit Spirit Lake, the water level rose almost 200 feet. Its path of destruction grew so quickly that thousands of acres of tree were wiped out and rivers and lakes were flooded and destroyed.

Fifty-six lives were lost that day - Harry Truman among them. What a tragedy! Mr. Truman deliberately rejected the offer of deliverance, which would have saved his life. How much are you like Mr. Truman? God's Word tells us of His salvation from sin and hell because, "Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Are you saved? Remember, the Bible says, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3).

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