Earthquakes? Let's talk

In recent weeks, earthquakes have dominated the news with their size as well as their devastation. They have certainly made their impact upon our world! They have aroused our sense of compassion to those in need, touched our hearts and emotions, caused us to stand in awe, etc., but they have also caused many of us to ask questions. Among the most frequently asked questions are: "What is happening?" & "What does this mean, if anything?" & "Is this from God?" or "Is this the result of man's failures to act as proper stewards with the earth and our environment?"

On March 2, scientists astounded us by stating their belief that the earth moved slightly on its axis and the lengths of daytime changed a little because of the February 27 Chilean temblors. They have even surmised that an island off Chile was raised approximately 6 feet due to the enormous upheaval caused by the tectonic plates shifting! And ocean waves were energized to move at the speed of a commercial jetliner across the Pacific! What a display of incredible power!

The recent quakes have even caused some numerologists to search for answers through the numbers involved. For instance, Haiti's earthquake measured 7.0, and it was very close to 7 weeks before the 8.8 temblor shook Chile. Therefore, the questions revolve around the numbers 7 & 8 both separately and joined together. Then there is the name of one of the major cities near the epicenter of Chile's tremor -- Concepcion (translated into English as "Conception" or the beginning of a new life).

Let us look at the numbers first. First of all, this is not meant to be a dissertation on numbers per se, so we will just bring out some pertinent facts about the numbers 7 & 8. Seven is the number of perfection or completeness. Our Creator rested on the 7th day signifying that His creation was complete and perfect as created. Seven is one of the more significant and most often used numbers in the Bible with numerous examples given throughout. Eight is the number of superabundance or the beginning of something new. For instance, the eighth day marks the beginning of a new week. In addition, it is the number of salvation -- the beginning of a new life in Jesus Christ. Turned on its side, the number 8 is a symbol for an infinite number.

Regarding the recent earthquakes, some theories have developed primarily around these numbers. For instance, the sevens came in twos. A 7 point tremor leveled Haiti followed by 7 weeks until Chile's huge quake. Until now, never have 2 quakes of that size come that close together. The earliest that 2 quakes of that size came after one another had been about 3 months. Chile's temblor measured 8.8, so the eights came in twos also. And the most notable town nearest to the epicenter of Chile's earthquake was Concepcion. Putting it altogether, so goes the theory, the Haitian tremor marked the end of a completed period of time. The Chilean tremor therefore marked the beginning of something new, and it was birthed in Concepcion. The sobering reality of all of these theories would be the birthing of a period of an even greater number of earthquakes that are super abundant and seem to almost be infinite in number. Perhaps the theory is just telling us that something new is beginning. The fact that these numbers, 7 & 8, appear to have come in pairs seems noteworthy too. Why? Because in the Bible when things are mentioned twice, it is to emphasize its importance and seriousness (i.e. Jesus using "verily" in pairs often --John 1:51 and others). Pardon the pun, but the theories are pregnant with interest and intrigue!

Contrary to what you may be thinking, I am not a person who is putting a great deal of stock in the theory outlined above. In other words, I am not at all saying that this is a "thus saith the Lord" kind of thing. I am just stating the theory. But let us consider: is this theory true? Only time will tell us. There are those who seem to want to spiritualize everything that they see in the natural realm. I think sometimes things in the natural do tell us something about the spiritual, but this kind of thinking can be taken too far also. So what is the point to all of this? It is this. The Bible has some things to say to us about earthquakes. For instance, Jesus said that among the signs that will appear before He comes again (see Matthew 24:1-8) will be the occurrence of earthquakes in diverse places (v.7) -- or all over our world. In verse 8, he says earthquakes, along with the other listed signs, will be viewed as the beginning of birth pains (conception?). I have never birthed a baby thank goodness, but from hearing women talk, the birth pains gradually get more frequent and more pronounced near the end of pregnancy. These verses in Matthew, however, do represent a "thus saith the Lord" statement.

But regardless of whether or not the recent earthquake facts and numbers discussed earlier prove to be meaningful and prophetic, some other facts remain. For instance, throughout the entire 20th century until now, and particularly since Israel's re-birth as a nation in 1948, the regularity of "killer" sized earthquakes all over the world has greatly increased. Official geological data bears this out. If you want figures, I'll get them for you.

But the biggest facts are found in God's word. Here is what Revelation 16 tells us about an earthquake coming on earth one day:

"The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'It is done!' Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of His wrath. Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found. From the sky huge hailstones of about 100 pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of hail, because the plague was so terrible." Revelation 16:17-21

Californians like to talk about the "big one" that they fear will dump part of their state into the Pacific Ocean. The "big one" they are imagining does not compare to the "big one" that the Lord will bring upon a sinful and dying world that has rejected His Son one day. This really "big one" comes from God, as it is clearly part of His wrath according to God's word. Does His wrath take place because of man's failures? Yes, but it is not due to our failure to treat the so called "earth mother" properly. It is simply due to sin -- rebellion against a Holy God who sent His Son in love to die for the sins of the world and then was raised from the dead after 3 days. There are plenty of facts to back these truths up.

Should we take God's word concerning earthquakes and judgment seriously? After all, these words were penned long ago. You may be asking yourself: "Doesn't the Bible just represent the words of some men? Is is really God's word?" Consider that God was absolutely perfect in His over 100 prophecies concerning the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son. Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. There are hundreds of other prophecies that have proven beyond doubt that God is correct and the revealer of truth. And incidentally, there are twice as many prophecies concerning Jesus' second coming as His first.

Please read the following:

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" Romans 5:8-10

"They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whome He raised from the dead -- Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." I Thessalonians 1:9-10

Where are you, dear reader? Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you put complete trust -- that is your very life in His hands to save you from your sins and the wrath to come? His love is amazing! He awaits you to respond to His loving call. He has already done all that is needed to provide the way of salvation. It's done! Will you give your life to Him today? Ask yourself, if He came today: "Would I experience His wrath or His salvation?" As you consider the answer to that question, you should also ask: "Why would I experience His wrath or His salvation?" Your answer to "why" is extremely important too.

It is getting late, and it is getting serious.