The Great New England Hurricane

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:1-11 ESV). Hurricane season has been relatively light this year. We have not seen near the loss of life as in some years past. Modern meteorology has played a significant role in warning people of the approach of a storm so that they might prepare for it and thus prevent any great loss of life. Such has not always been the case. In fact, this month in 1938, without warning, a powerful Category 3 hurricane slammed into Long Island and southern New England, causing 600 deaths and devastating coastal cities and towns. Also called the Long Island Express, the Great New England Hurricane of 1938 was the most destructive storm to strike the region in the 20th century. All told, 700 people were killed by the hurricane, 600 of them in Long Island and southern New England. Some 700 people were injured. Nearly 9,000 homes and buildings were destroyed, and 15,000 damaged. Nearly 3,000 ships were sunk or wrecked. Power lines were downed across the region, causing widespread blackouts. Innumerable trees were felled, and 12 new inlets were created on Long Island. Railroads were destroyed and farms were obliterated. Total damages were $306 million, which equals $18 billion in today's dollars, making the Great New England Hurricane the sixth costliest hurricane in US history. What a tragedy! However, what a greater tragedy it would be if we went into eternity unprepared because we had received no warning. God does give us many warnings along the way. The psalmist in this morning’s reading declares that each one of God’s fair laws serve as a warning. They are the caution lights of life. Are you paying attention? Those warnings point us to the grace of Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness to us before it is too late. Don’t be caught in the storm of His judgment. Trust Jesus today!