What happened in the area of Indonesia on December 26, 2004, was caused by a massive earthquake at the bottom of the Indian Ocean. This caused a Tsunami (tidal wave) of epic proportions to slam into 11 different countries hitting seaboard areas longer than the entire eastern seaboard of America. Perhaps 150,000 people were killed immediately and hundreds of thousands more were injured. The disease that could spread from the corpses of dead humans, animals and fish could double the deaths some experts say. We shall see.
This event reminds us of a prediction long ago. About 2000 years ago Jesus said, “Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” (Luke 21:10-11)
Later in the same chapter, Jesus said, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:25-28)
Jesus’ amazing accuracy to predict the future sets Him apart from all other prophets and “gods.”
Some of what Jesus predicted includes:
1. Earthquakes in many places
2. Lack of food in certain places
3. Pestilences (fast spreading fatal diseases)
4. The seas and the waves roaring (tsunamis)
In the 9th century there was one major earthquake recorded. In the 11th century, two; in the 13th century, three; in the 16th, two; in the 17th, two; 18th, five (including the famous one in Lisbon); 19th, nine; and in the last century over 40 (including the Peking quake).
Every year there are some 500,000 detectable seismic or microseismic disturbances around the world. Of these, 100,000 can be felt and 1,000 cause damage. Earthquakes in divers places are on the increase, as Jesus said.
This recent quake in the Indian Ocean measured 9.0 on the Richter Scale. One of the most powerful ever.
But there is more coming. The Apostle John wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “ And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” (Revelation 16:18-20)
In the light of what is coming on the earth there are two things we can do: Fear or Prepare.
We can live the rest of our life in fear. Our hearts can fail for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth (see Luke 21:26), or we can prepare to meet the Lord Jesus Christ (see Luke 21:27).
Jesus is coming back. Both Peter and Paul said He would come as a “thief in the night” (see 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10). They warned us to be ready so that day would not overtake us as a thief.
Will Jesus be your Judge or your Savior? He may come soon. Are you saved? Have you received Christ as your Savior, by faith?
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...” (Acts 16:31)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (I Peter 3:18).
