The monster snowstorm named Jonas lived up to its billing
and then some. The giant system brought a huge
chunk of the nation to a grinding halt while releasing its fury over numerous
states, 14 of which registered at least a foot of snow or more. Another four
states set accumulation records with some places receiving in excess of 40
inches. New York City
was brought to a literal standstill with all roads being closed to all but
emergency vehicles at one point.
While those who lose their lives due to snow often do so for health issues from shoveling or in traffic accidents, there was
one particular case that was simply heartbreaking beyond words. It occurred in Passaic, New Jersey
on the Saturday night of the long wild Jonas weekend.
Felix Bonilla, Jr. had been digging out the family's car while his girlfriend and their two children sat inside to stay warm. But the
car's engine was on and the tail pipe became clogged by snow. Odorless carbon
monoxide gas quickly seeped into the car in minutes, killing the mother and her
baby boy. The little girl, whose name was Messiah, also became unconscious but was kept alive by
paramedics. Sadly she also died just a few days later. Mr. Bonilla,
Sr. stated that his son was doing very poorly following the tragedy, which would seem to be an obvious understatement.
Watching snow fall can be a beautiful and peaceful thing to
behold. Many simply adore the wintry white atmosphere. But, of course, it can also be deadly at times. Such was the case in this sad occurrence in New
Jersey just recently. And it is probably accurate to
say that none of those who perished during the recent storm ever dreamed that
they would be ushered into eternity when the first few flakes began to appear
before them.
Life is indeed fragile. It sometimes comes to a quick and
unexpected end even for those who may be young and healthy. And that is exactly why
the Bible warns all to be ready in a moment’s notice to face their Creator
and being in the proper spiritual condition to do so. There is nothing more important -- nothing!
Proverbs 27:1 states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you
do not know what a day may bring forth.” And the wisdom book of James in the
New Testament confirms this truth in greater detail. In James 4:13-16 we read,
“Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a
city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do
not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor
that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord
wills, we shall live and do this or that.'"
The Bible also warns, in no uncertain terms, about what
happens when the physical life comes to end. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed
for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Judgment is sure because sin is real! And all sin brings certain and severe consequences as noted in Romans 6:23. “For the wages
of sin is death” That is not up for debate. Fortunately, the second half of the
verse gives the other side of the coin. "But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That gift requires faith -- alone!
The subject of snow is one found in Scripture and sometimes used in
the context of sin and salvation. The prophet Isaiah writes, "'Come now,
and let us reason together,' Says the LORD, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as
white as snow.'” (Isaiah 1:18) And in his great prayer of repentance David wrote, “Purge me
with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Thirty-one souls saw their sudden earthly end during one historic snowstorm in January. Their eternal ends are now sealed -- for better or worse. Those who knew Christ as their personal Savior had their souls made as clean and pure as the fresh driven snow. These were fully prepared to face God when this life ended and the next one began. And we trust that is true of you on this day because we know not what may happen on any given day!
Thirty-one souls saw their sudden earthly end during one historic snowstorm in January. Their eternal ends are now sealed -- for better or worse. Those who knew Christ as their personal Savior had their souls made as clean and pure as the fresh driven snow. These were fully prepared to face God when this life ended and the next one began. And we trust that is true of you on this day because we know not what may happen on any given day!
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who
are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Bill Breckenridge
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