What Do We Make of All These Earthquakes?
An Observation on the Spiritual Significance of Natural Disasters
You’ve probably noticed by now that it seems the whole world is shaking. There are earthquakes happening everywhere. Big ones. Venezuela, Japan, Philippines, and more. It’s enough to make the conspiracy theorists start feeling validated. As Christians, we notice too. But we know there is more behind it than just geological patterns. Some are saying this is really it this time. Jesus is returning any minute now. Maybe He is, maybe He isn’t. You will find more varying opinions on that than you will find flavors in the Busch’s baked bean aisle. There are, however, things we can know for sure when we see this kind of uptick in natural disasters.
God is Getting Our Attention
When disasters start stacking up on top of each other, people start asking questions. Questions they wouldn’t normally ask. When people start asking these questions, they tend to be more open to the answers they receive. That’s part of the point. Sometimes God is getting our attention because we have strayed and we need a wake-up call. Other times, He is using disasters and unusual activity to shake up the lost. Either way, He is getting our attention. You’ve noticed the unusual string of intense earthquakes all around the world. Good. What is God trying to tell you?
Maybe you are an unbeliever. He is trying to show you His power and help you consider whether you really want to face the wrath for your sins. Maybe He is giving you warning signs that you might repent and embrace His forgiveness for your sin.
Maybe you have been taking things for granted. The Lord may be trying to show you the fragile nature of your life. It is here today and can be gone tomorrow. When you see the devastation and tragedy in Venezuela, you think to yourself, “If that had been me, would I be okay leaving things the way I left them?” The Lord may be waking you up to live and love as if today is your last.
Maybe you have forgotten the lost. Seeing the sudden loss of life reminds us that all of those people have gone somewhere eternal. That many people passing into eternity at one time carries quite a weight. If your community is the next one hit by a devastating earthquake, would there be people that pass into eternity without having heard the Gospel of Jesus. Now is the chance to tell them.
Maybe you have been stagnant in your walk with Christ. Eternity is coming and it is far too important to enter in coasting. When the disaster hits, will you go down on fire for Christ? Or will you be one of those who barely escapes “as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:15)?
Sin Has Ruined Everything
Paul tells us that creation groans for the day it is “set free from its slavery to corruption” (Romans 8:19-22). The fall did not only ruin mankind. It sent all of creation into a spiral. Animals started preying on each other, stars started dying, things began decaying, and disasters arose. Every single natural disaster is a downstream result of the first sin. When we see these things, it reawakens us to the gravity of sin and corruption. It reawakens to the truth that sin does not just inconvenience or set people back. It kills. It corrupts and destroys. And it has far-reaching consequences. People die because sin exists. Buildings collapse because sin exists. Truly, we do not hate sin enough.
Jesus is Fixing Everything
If creation is waiting, then it is waiting for something. The Lord says, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Every earthquake that destroys reminds us that sin has ruined everything. But it also calls our hearts to long for the day when no earthquake will strike again. The first Adam sent creation spiraling into corruption and disaster. The second Adam, Christ, has sent creation back on the trajectory of complete restoration (Romans 5, 1 Cor. 15:45). When you see these natural disasters springing up all over the world, be careful about falling into the dizzying trap of constant end-times speculation. Focus on what we know for sure. The world is still broken. Still reeling from the fall. But Christ has come and He is making all things new. One day, everything will be made right. Praise God! Until then, we keep our eyes on heaven and on the One who is not shaken and who does not change.
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