Matthew 3:7

It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself; to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note the drops while they glisten like purest diamonds in the sunlight. That is the position of a Christian. He is going through a land where the storm has spent itself upon his Saviour’s head, and if there are a few drops of sorrow falling, they distill from clouds of mercy, and Jesus cheers him by the assurance that they are not for his destruction.

But how terrible it is to witness the approach of a tempest: to note the forewarnings of the storm; to mark the birds of heaven as they droop their wings; to see the cattle as they lay their heads low in terror; to discern the face of the sky as it grows black, and look to the sun which does not shine, and the heavens which are angry and frowning!

How terrible to await the dread advance of a hurricane—such as occurs, sometimes, in the tropics—to wait in terrible apprehension until the wind will rush forth in fury, tearing up trees from their roots, forcing rocks from their pedestals, and hurling down all the dwellings of humankind! And yet, sinner, this is your present position.

No hot drops have yet fallen, but a shower of fire is coming. No terrible winds howl around you, but God’s tempest is gathering its dread artillery. Still, the water-floods are dammed up by mercy, but the floodgates will soon be opened: the thunderbolts of God are still in His storehouse, but behold, the tempest hastens!

And how awful that moment will be when God, robed in vengeance, will march forth in fury! Where, where, where, O sinner, will you hide your head, or where will you flee? Oh, may the hand of mercy now lead you to Christ! He is freely set before you in the gospel: His riven side is the rock of shelter. You know your need of Him; believe in Him, cast yourself upon Him, and then the fury will be past forever.