As most of us are aware of by now, an EF1 tornado touched down in the K-Mart parking lot located across the street from the Greene this past Tuesday afternoon. Although the damage was severe, it was limited to a relatively small area. While TV stations were providing live footage of the damage, it was unclear whether or not the event was a tornado or straight winds. As I watched the live TV report, as least two eyewitnesses called in and claimed to have seen a funnel cloud. Eventually the National Weather Service confirmed it was a tornado.

Amidst all the live reporting was the reoccurring question, "Why weren't there any tornado warnings?" Why didn't we hear the sirens going off to warn people of this approaching danger?

The answer given was that this "small" tornado arose very quickly. By the time the weather radar could have been able to detect it, it was over. The damage was done.

This event should serve as a reminder to Christians of the Lord's return. When asked about the time of His return, the Lord answered, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matt. 24:36). Jesus went on to liken the suddenness of His return to the destruction of the world in Noah's time (vs. 37-39). There were no physical indications that anything was about to happen - only the preaching of Noah. Life went on as usual until Noah entered the ark, and then the flood came upon them without warning and took them all away.

Jesus, Paul and Peter all spoke of the Lord's return as coming like a thief in the night (Matt. 24:42-44; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). Like this recent tornado - there will be no siren warning us to prepare. There will only be the sound of a trumpet sealing our eternal fate (1 Thess. 4:16). The Scriptures teach us to live in a state of readiness. Are you ready?