Force majeure, or in latin vis maior, is an event that cannot be avoided or even predicted. It is very important, in Law, in order to establish responsibility for damage. For example, when a company fails to provide a service due to a force majeure cause, it can avoid payment for any damage, as it is not able to prevent it.

In 2010 the world is witnessing various events caused by “forces majeures”, especially of a natural origin. The Haiti or Chile earthquakes or the recent appearance of the volcanic cloud are examples of occurrences which leave humanity with little or almost no ability to react. What could have been done to avoid the earthquakes? What could be done to stop the volcanic cloud? The answer is the same: nothing. The earth trembled and many people died. The volcano in Iceland erupted and caused the cancelling of over 5.000 flights across Europe. No-one could do anything to escape it.

Events produced by overwhelming forces should make us think. These things teach us that in reality there are situations over which human beings have no control or chances to escape.

The day of the true force majeure will come, and we should prepare. The Bible says that on the day of the final judgement the Lord Jesus Christ will judge all people without exception. On that day the believers who have trusted in Jesus Christ will be saved from the wrath of God. Those who have not will be condemned to hell with no chance of escaping. When that day arrives, it will be too late for repentance. Now is the time to repent from our sins, to trust in Jesus and escape from the terrible consequences of this last judgement.

How will you control the situation on that final day? No way. You will be facing a force majeure, the greatest that has ever existed. On that day the consequences will have nothing to do with flight cancellations, not even the loss of human lives. On that day the eternal destination of our souls will be revealed, which is much more serious.

Patricio Ledesma