I was speaking to someone about New Zealand a couple of days ago and how when we went there we had explored the colourful natural volcanic areas of Rotorua - bubbling mud, steaming ground and geysers, huge volcanic craters and weird and wonderful rock formations. Although it was beautiful the smell of sulphur was strong and I couldn't help but think about HELL (Give me a break - I'm a pastor. I think about such things).
The volcanic eruption in Iceland was even more ominous. It adds a new perspective to the words "WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER". There were floods caused by the heat melting the glacier and then magnificent pictures have been taken of the lava spewing from the crater. The smell of sulphur was heavy in the air. People had to make a choice and be EVACUATED FROM THE AREA or be drowned by the steaming water rushing down the mountain. Then came the lava flow, like A LAKE OF FIRE.
I have heard the terms "GO TO HELL" and "SEE YOU IN HELL" used all too casually over the years. Hell, as described in the Bible, is not something you would wish on even your worst enemies. Yet many choose to watch and wait rather than be evacuated as death and hellfire engulfs them. The bushfires in Victoria were horrific, moreso because many refused to be evacuated, thinking that somehow they would survive. They died in the firestorms that swept through their houses. Jesus speaks about cities and villages like this when He sent out His disciples to share His message of hope and peace with God.
In Matthew 10:13-15 (NLT) Jesus says "If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day."