I'm not used to news reporters referencing the Book of Revelation. But, then, these aren't ordinary times. They're referring to statements about earthquakes and disasters in what the Bible calls "the last days." As in the last days of human history. As in the personal return of Jesus Christ to change things forever.
Within a little more than a year, there's been a massive earthquake in Japan, Chile and New Zealand. I just saw on TV a map of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the part of the world where most major quakes erupt. It shows Japan northwest, New Zealand southeast, Chile southwest. The West Coast of the United States completes the ring on the northeast. The headline asked, "Is California next?"
Now we have an additional concern in the aftermath of a natural disaster. The specter of possible nuclear meltdowns has some people imagining "apocalyptic" scenarios. Oh, and what about all those revolutions that are popping up on our news almost daily? It seems like the whole world is shaking sometimes.
Jesus said it would. He said "there will be great earthquakes...in various places and fearful events" (Luke 21:11). Yes, there have been earthquakes for thousands of years, but apparently they're going to get bigger and more frequent.
Jesus also said there would be "wars and revolutions" (Luke 21:8) and "nation (the original word means ethnic groups) will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...on the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity" (Luke 21:25). Couldn't help but think of that as I watch long-entrenched governments quaking with a tidal wave of protests and revolution.
The Lord of the future went on to say that "men will...be apprehensive of what is coming in the world" (Luke 21:26). Upheaval in nature. Upheaval in nations. And unrest in our souls. Then the drumroll, please. "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:27).
As the tsunami was racing across the Pacific, I saw this cable news banner: "People are urged to take urgent action to protect lives." Our potentially "apocalyptic" world seems to be calling us to one of two spiritual responses - "urgent action." If you belong to Jesus, act urgently to tell people you love about Him - no more excuses, no more stalling. If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus, act urgently to give yourself to Him. Then you are forever safe, no matter what shakes you, no matter what swamps you. He is, after all, the Rescuer who died for your sins...the Conqueror who beat death on Easter Morning...the King who will write the final chapter.
"Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging...the Lord Almighty is with us" (Psalm 46:2-3, 7). As they say in earthquake drills, "Hold onto something heavy." That's Jesus.
If you would like to pursue a personal love-relationship with the God that Ron has written about here, visit Yours For Life or call 1-888-966-7325 (toll-free).