If the Earth is Shakin’ Perhaps God is Knockin’

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Heb 12:26-27 (GW) When God spoke to your ancestors, his voice shook the earth. But now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the sky.” The words once more show clearly that God will change what he has made. These are the things that can be shaken. Then only the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

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Are natural disasters signs of the “end of the age” spoken of in Scripture, or simply just natural occurrences? Would it be proper to associate the apparent increase in seismic activity, and volcanic eruptions with an ‘angry God’ punishing the earth? Or are these just the start of more to come? Is it possible to tell the ‘signs of the end’ from day-to-day occurrences? Is there a difference?

In the past several years we’ve seen many significant natural disasters in many places across the globe. For thousands of years there have been earthquakes, famines, and plagues which have brought havoc to mankind.

Are the events of these past few months breaking new ground (forgive the pun) in the global shaking that has increased over the past century? Is there really more seismic activity or are we just more aware of them because of the nature of the news cycle? Could it be the 24 hour a day news programs are adding to the perception that the world is crumbling at the seams?

There have been doomsday prophets for as long as time existed. Since the first century after Christ’s crucifixion there have been those who said the world was coming to an end even before we got to the 21st century. Yet the world still remains. Does this mean Christ’s return is never going to happen? Should we simply ignore these earthquakes or is there something we can learn from all this?

As we witness the groaning of creation, are they the literal birth-pangs of the “Day of the Lord” or just a wake-up call for Christians to be ready for the coming harvest? As things grow increasingly more confused and more lives are affected by one natural disaster after another I can see a great need arising upon the Earth for something more dependable. As the very foundations are shaking beneath the feet of many, there remains a solid rock upon which we can place our hope and trust, that rock is Jesus Christ, the only sure foundation.

As fortunes fall and the earthquakes of life challenges continue with greater frequency the world is becoming ripe to solutions, something real. They have heard all the lies and have trusted in others only to see their foundations shaking and their lives crumbling. Are we ready to offer something other than ‘just words, just speeches?” Is there a place of refuge for those whose lives have been shaken? Is there a place of rest from the constant uproar of the world around us? Is there a safety net for those falling into despair and panic?

The answer to all the world’s needs is the same as it has always been. No matter how hard man tries to remove God from their lives He is still a force that needs to be reckoned with. Accounts need to be settled, debts need to be paid, a man’s choices need to be judged, evil dealt with. As our scripture reference explains, there is coming a shake-up from God, the purpose of which is to shake everything that can be shaken so that the only thing remaining is that which can not be shook. And that sure foundation is trusting in the Lord thy God.

As the great architect of all things, God is the only one capable of mapping out an exit strategy. Trust in the Lord and you will be able to withstand the shakin’ that’s goin’ on. So is it going to be the ‘Rock’ or do you prefer to roll? The choice is yours, I however say along with the Psalmist:

Psalms 62:6-8 (NKJV) He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

But those who are waiting for the Lord will have new strength; they will get wings like eagles: running, they will not be tired, and walking, they will have no weariness. Isaiah 40:31 (BBE)

Along for the journey