The recent earthquake in the country of Chile is another catastrophic event in a string of devastating occurrences which are on the increase throughout the world. The news story from MSNBC.com which was titled, “Big quake question: Is nature out of control?”, suggests that the unusual and extraordinary nature of these events are not going unnoticed, even by the press which tends to avoid any subject that is beyond its comprehension. People are looking for answers.
The MSN editorial reminded me of a sermon that I recently heard. The message was taken from the book of Hebrews, chapter twelve, verse 26 and 27. This prophetic passage announces that a time is coming when God is going to shake the nations and all of creation in a final act of judgment. The preacher was calling people to take inventory of their lives in light of the shaking and the travail that was coming upon the world. The shakings would remove everything that is not of God, and what cannot be shaken will be revealed as that which is of God.
In answer to the MSNBC question, the real issue is that mankind, not nature, is out of control, choosing to live life apart from God. Righteous living and faith in God are in great decline. The prevailing thought in modern societies is that we are incapable of truly knowing the difference between good and evil. Everyone must do what is right in his or her own eyes.
Consequently, God, in His infinite love and mercy, is doing what He knows to do which will get our attention. When life gets bad enough, many people will inevitably become more spiritually attuned and seek out God for answers. With the world being ravished by natural disasters, wars and violence, and the shaking of economic, political, and social systems, people can no longer find within themselves hope and consolation. We must hope in God and Him alone!
The supreme mission of Christians in these perilous times is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ; boldly, and without condemnation, declare that faith in Jesus is the only way out of hopelessness and despair, His words are the only reliable source of truth, and that His life is the sustenance for our very existence. The prophet of Isaiah speaks an interesting word over Israel with respect to how all followers of God should respond when times get tough. He says,
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you (Isaiah 60:1, 2).”
