What scriptural examples show God warning His people of impending danger? Setting Sail with Paul: Acts 27 : 10 “Men,” Paul said, “I can see that our voyage will bring disaster and great loss to the ship and cargo, and also to our own lives.” Paul’s warning on the Mediterranean is one snapshot in a long biblical album showing God alerting His people before danger strikes. A Consistent Pattern: God Speaks Before the Storm From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord repeatedly gives advance notice so His people can act in faith and obedience. Below is a tour of those moments, grouped for easy reference. Early Warnings in Genesis • Noah and the coming flood – Genesis 6 : 13 “Behold, I will destroy them and the earth.” • Lot and Sodom – Genesis 19 : 12-13 “Get them out of here… we are about to destroy this place.” • Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams – Genesis 41 : 28-32 “God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do… God will do it soon.” Deliverance in the Exodus Era • Passover night – Exodus 11 : 4-7; 12 : 12-13 God warns of the final plague and prescribes the lamb’s blood for protection. • Rahab in Jericho – Joshua 2 : 8-13 Spies reveal the city’s fate, giving Rahab time to gather her household. Prophets Sounding the Alarm in the Kingdom Years • Elijah to Ahab – 1 Kings 17 : 1 “No dew or rain… except at my word.” • Elisha revealing enemy ambushes – 2 Kings 6 : 9-10 The king of Israel is warned “again and again” and stays safe. • Jonah to Nineveh – Jonah 3 : 4 “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” • Jeremiah to Judah – Jeremiah 25 : 4-7 “The LORD has sent all His servants the prophets… But you have not listened.” Warnings in the New Testament Era • Angel to Joseph – Matthew 2 : 13 “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt… Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” • Jesus on Jerusalem’s fall – Luke 21 : 20-22 “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.” • Prophet Agabus – Acts 11 : 28 “A great famine would come upon the entire Roman world.” • Paul’s own shipwreck vision – Acts 27 : 23-24 “Do not be afraid, Paul… God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.” Why God Gives Advance Notice • Protection – so believers can take practical steps (ark building, fleeing, stocking grain). • Preparation – to strengthen faith and cultivate obedience. • Repentance – giving space for hearts to turn (Nineveh, Jerusalem). • Proclamation – demonstrating God’s sovereignty when warnings prove true. Listening Today The same God who spoke to Noah, Joseph, the prophets, and Paul still communicates through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel. Staying anchored in His Word positions us to discern His cautions, trust His timing, and act with the calm confidence that comes from knowing He sees the storm before we do. |
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