Wildfire!
Years ago when I managed a forest for a timber company, we received a phone call tip that a large column of smoke was rising above some of our timberland in Trinity County. We immediately dispatched two small dozers with fire plows loaded on rollback trucks to head toward the scene as we began to radio for additional heavy equipment support.
Historically speaking, the area of southeastern Trinity County was known for having wildfires that were difficult to contain once they got started, so we didn't waste any time in getting all of the heavy equipment on site in order to attack the advancing flames.
Sure enough, when our men arrived on the ground with the dozers, the fire was moving at a rapid pace through the pine trees, burning everything to a crisp that lay within its path. The crews wasted no time in getting unloaded and plowing around the flanks of the fire.
James unloaded his dozer and was instructed to plow a fire lane around the southern side, flanking the flames in order to keep the fire from continuing to spread. After he plowed for an hour or so, the wind shifted and the side where he had been plowing became the head-fire as the wind pushed the fire in his direction.
Flaming cinders and blinding smoke began to descend upon James and he soon realized that he was in danger. He attempted to turn his dozer away to flee from the immediate vicinity of the fire but he straddled a stump that caused his John Deere 450 to high center. James wiggled and wriggled, attempting to free the dozer as the blazing fire and choking smoke began to engulf him.
Finally, James could stand it no longer and was forced to unbuckle his seatbelt, jump from the bulldozer and run for safety. The fire quickly enveloped the machine and ravaged it ruthlessly. James, however, had gotten away from the destruction of the wildfire and found safety far away from the dangerous flames and suffocating smoke.
The Prophet Isaiah tells us in Chapter 55:6-9 "Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Those who choose to follow their own way of life, indulging in sin will end up being consumed in the merciless grip of the prince of this world. As the Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8; "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
Anyone who wants to be escape the decimation of living a life of sin must run away from the sinful ways of this world that only lead to destruction. Everyone can find shelter if they will only run into the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved all of us enough to die on the cross to pay the price for our sinfulness. His ways are not like our ways, for He is merciful, just and righteous. We can find true joy, hope without end and lasting peace in Him.
How about you? Are you tired of the pain and emptiness of living a life of sin? You don't have to continue to plow that ground. You can find rest for your weary soul and hope that never fades. Won't you come home to Jesus today? It's easy. He's waiting for you right now. Just turn away from sin and seek Him with your whole heart. He will save you, embrace you and shelter you in the shadow of His wings.
