It was unbelievable, almost mystical, but it was a day made to be filled with the glory of Yellowstone National Park’s erupting geysers!

We arrived early in order to see the next scheduled eruption of Old Faithful. Imagine our elation when as soon as we sat down, Beehive, an infrequent, unpredictable geyser began to erupt behind Old Faithful, sending a powerful jet of water 30 feet into the air!

Shortly afterwards, Old Faithful erupted in all of its glory. The eyes of everyone in the crowd were riveted on this famous, highly predictable landmark. The only words of complaint were those wishing that the eruption had lasted longer! I noticed many people running towards the geyser, even after it had started. In fact, some even ran up as the geyser was on its last leg. It must have been aggravating to come all of this way to miss the blessing they had come for, especially knowing that it wouldn’t erupt again for several hours.

As I glanced around at the crowds, I noticed my boys literally jumping up and down: “Come on, papa. We need to hurry! Castle Geyser will start erupting any moment!”

So there I was, in mid-August, running with a camcorder around my neck and a camera over my shoulder, sweat running freely from every porous surface of my body, emanating its own version of the sulfuric geyser odors. People were casting strange glances in my direction. I guess they’ve never had two teenagers at home!

Castle turned out to be a bit farther than expected. I was really huffing and puffing by the time we finally arrived, and to our disappointment, it had already started to erupt. With the last remains of my energy, I began taping and taking pictures of this renowned geyser. I had planend to tape the entire eruption. Little did I know it would erupt for 45 minutes-20-25 minutes of water jet, and the rest a magnificent steam show! Wow!

About half-way through the water phase, my wife arrived with our lunch. We’ve never had better entertainment for a picnic than we did that day!

Then my boys started in again: “Papa, can we wait for Grand Geyser to erupt?”

“Another eruption?” I glanced at my watch. We still had a lot of territory to cover before nightfall. With Yellowstone being renowned for its wildlife, I didn’t really want to be caught on the narrow, winding roads after dark! “When is it supposed to erupt?”

“Any time between 12:30 and 3:30!”

A three hour window. How comforting. But as it was already 1:30 and the geyser hadn’t yet begun, we decided to at least walk over to the promising geyser. “We’ll wait until 2:00,” I said, “but then we have to leave, whether it has begun or not!”

That gave them hope, and they charged down the path. Where they got their energy from in the heat of the Wyoming summer was beyond me!

Ten minutes later we arrived at the scene. I’m sure my boys were praying, because a tourist told us that all of the indications were there for the geyser to begin erupting anytime. And sure enough, as he explained what should happen, a smaller geyser known as Turban Geyser, part of the three known as the Grand Geyser Group, began its performance. Soon the Grand Geyser itself began to erupt, and then this was followed by the third of the group, the Vent Geyser. All three erupted together for awhile, but then Turban and Grand gradually died out, leaving only Vent. It was majestic. It’s no wonder they call it the Grand Geyser group. Compared to all the other geysers we had seen that day, this was definitely the best, and I could only thank my boys for twisting my arm into walking over there!

One day there will be a glorious appearing much brighter than the advent of all these geysers together. In their demise however, many people are living as if it will never happen: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” (Matt 24:12 NIV); and “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matt 24:27 NIV)

Even many professed Christians will be caught unaware: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Matt 7:22-23 NIV)

But how is this possible? Didn’t they profess Jesus as their Messiah?

Sure. But they never professed Jesus as their Lord! “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46 NIV); and “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23-24 NIV)

That great day of His appearing is close at hand! Are you eagerly anticipating the greatest event that will ever happen in our universe? Or are you content to live your life day-by-day, ever ignoring the signs of the times? It isn’t too late in getting to know the One who will make all the difference in your world. It isn’t too late to follow His voice. You will discover that all his admonishments will always be for your best, as well as for the best of others.

“Can we go to that event papa?”

Everyone will go, but not all will rejoice: “Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt 7:14 NIV)

Rob Chaffart