From Ben – 19 February 2017
It saddens me that once again we witness devastation, damage, death and loss in Christchurch. Last time it was the devastating earthquakes, with their heartbreaking damage. This time it is fires consuming over 2000 acres of sensitive forestry and land, sweeping in through long-established neighbourhoods, reducing 11 homes to ashes and displacing 1000 people, and taking the life of the helicopter pilot who lost his life fighting the inferno.
Like every disaster of this kind, there are all sorts of stories, some tragic, some heartwarming, that emerge. One good news story is of a couple whose dream home was destroyed in the earthquake. They were so devastated that they left for Australia, only to return a month or so ago to Christchurch. This time they decided to buy a house on the Port Hills, which is one of the 11 that burned down.
You may say, “Where is the good side of this sad story?” Well, the day before the fire, the couple signed up the last document to fully insure their house, that went up in flames the next day.
As I read of this wise decision in the nick of time, I could not help but think of how many people leave off deciding to surrender their lives to Jesus until the last minute. This is the most important decision you will ever make. Don’t put it off a day longer. Today is the day of salvation.