By Glenn Rawson

    How dangerous is it to ignore or slight the justice of God? Answer — deadly. Please consider this story.

    On the day that Jesus died in Jerusalem so much energy was released from His body that it went forth and convulsed all nature. An earthquake rocked Jerusalem but it was far worse elsewhere in the world. At that moment in the Americas there arose a storm, suddenly, the likes of which had never before been seen. There were hurricane-force winds, lightning, and thunder so violent it shook the earth as if it would rip it apart.

    The destruction was terrible beyond description. Not only were the heavens violently rent but so too was the earth. Where once there had been mountains, there became valleys. Where once the earth and its crust were solid they were fractured into fragments, seams, and cracks that would never mend. The whole face of the land was changed by the great quaking of the earth. The sea too heaved itself beyond its bounds.

    The capital city of Zarahemla took fire and was destroyed. The city of Moroni near the Eastern coast sunk into the sea. Earthquakes and upheavals swallowed the city of Moronihah. For three hours the earth rolled and ripped itself apart. When it was over 17 major cities across the America’s were destroyed. Thousands, perhaps millions, were killed in the devastation. Many were burned, some drowned, others crushed, or just carried away by the whirlwinds. A thick enveloping mist of darkness settled upon the whole of the Americas; so total in its blackness that no glimmer of light could be seen and no fire could be lit. So overwhelming was that mist that it would claim lives as well. For three days it would enshroud the land. Those survivors engulfed within it understood what it meant and their cries of lament pierced the gloom. “O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared.”

    For three days they howled and wailed their guilt, regret, and loss. Great and terrible was their mourning. And then out of the darkness came the voice of the Savior himself. Every soul across the land heard his voice announcing the extent of the destruction. He called to them to repent and return unto him but warned them what would happen if they did not. As he finished, the wailing and moaning of the people once again mingled with the trembling and groaning of the earth. And then on the morning of the third day light dawned in the East; the groaning of the earth ceased, and those yet alive began to rejoice in their lives, and praise the Lord. And this was only the beginning of the marvelous things they were to see.

    This story is history and history often repeats itself. If we would know what is to happen at the Lord’s second coming, we should note what happened at his first coming and take a lesson from those ancients — which is repent and come unto Him before He suddenly comes unto you and you are not prepared.

    Glenn Rawson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a resident of Blackfoot.