It is frightfully amazing that adults could choose not to evacuate.  Perhaps they were thinking that the volcano might not erupt.  But have they not seen clear signs and have they not been clearly warned of a soon approaching disaster?  How could they be so oblivious or unconcerned?  I find it hard to believe that they were more worried about their belongings than their lives.  But again, such foolish behaviour is nothing new: smokers still smoke even after being warned about cancer; drivers still drink even after being warned about the danger drink driving poses to themselves and others. 

My point is this: every human being has this foolish nature of not seeing or feeling danger even when danger is clearly there, although not necessarily very close.  This is why the author of Proverbs 22:3 has to write this: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Prov 22:3).  You would be wise if you accept that such foolish tendency is in you too: you would tend to discount danger and have a false sense of security.

For that reason, people may hear the reality of hell and yet continue to reject Jesus and the Bible.  I am always fearfully amazed at people who, after hearing the solid evidence for the accuracy of the Bible, they reject Jesus.  I am also very afraid for people who after seeing how the God of Christianity amazingly answers prayers and yet not feel amazed and do something about their eternal destiny.

But I am also fearfully amazed at Christians who know that our God is a holy God and yet continue to live in sin, knowing full well that God will discipline.  I am also fearfully amazed at how Christians could love the world, and not care about the things of God, after hearing how our Lord judged the rich fool:

But God said to him, “You fool!  This very night your life will be demanded from you.  Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”  This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21).

Dear Christians, the Lord hates sin and will punish sinners.  But the Lord is also full of mercy and will show special favour to those who truly love Him:

For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Deut 5:9-10)

Let us always keep our hearts soft and tender before the Lord.  He is very kind.  But remember, He also hates sin.