Early Warning Systems

Along with our monsoon season, I have received multiple flash flood warnings. They suddenly burst out of my cell phone with an irritating noise that continues until I punch OK.   

I remember an early warning system (EWS) in my elementary years, for tornadoes. At the time, I lived where cellars were considered safe for survival. I’m still thankful I never had to personally prove it.

I was curious about today’s early warning systems. My initial web inquiry turned up UN.org's (United Nations) climate-change warning systems. I’m sure communities worldwide appreciate the integrated systems that prepare them for hazardous events.

The next site was USGS.gov (U.S. Geological Survey). Again, natural hazards were referenced, but a special note was made of California wildfires creating hazardous flash floods in heavy rains.

Having lived in California and personally witnessed powerful mudslides from burned-out areas, I consider early warning systems a wise move.

Civil Defense Sirens were popular during WW II. A piercing sound from a high tower would warn of a possible air raid. After the danger had passed, the siren would signal an all-clear. If you were outdoors, it definitely invaded your space.

General warning systems gradually became more specific. A good example is today’s noisy not-to-be-missed flash flood warnings on my cell phone.

Would you believe there are important spiritual early warning systems, too? I heard one today.

If I say, “Three sixteen (3:16),” would you think I was telling the time, or would you think of it as the first sound of an early warning system?

Your second thought would be correct. Even without a Bible, people can get this signal. The go-to app on my cell phone is the YouVersion.

Locate the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16. You'll find an early warning signal. God is sending an explanation of why Jesus came into this world. Read verses 16-19 for the full siren sound.  

The signal is clear whether you read it in the New International Version (NIV), The New King James Version (NKJV), or The Message Bible (MSG).  

Early warning systems are important, especially this one.