Earthquakes in Divers Places!

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:7).

 

Because of the advances in technology, global communications and the additional locations of seismographic sites, researchers are able to provide more details on earthquakes as they occur globally.  According to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) “…we expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year” (Source). Obviously, this prediction is based off historical data collected and analyzed.  The USGS along with the British Geoligical Survey (BGS) provides additional data that also states earthquakes are not neccesarily increasing as what many may believe (Source).  Although these facts support earthquakes have not increased, there is no certainty that will not change in the days ahead nor is there certainty they will not increase in intensity as well.   

We are able to observe earthquakes occuring around the globe and as stated above seismologists are even forecasting there could be at least one major earthquake of 8.0 above each year.  On January 23, 2014, it was published in the journal, “Science” the New Madrid Seismic Zone is very active and in fact, seismologists Morgan Page and Susan Hough have concluded the following:

“…current level of activity must be the signature of active, ongoing processes that continue to generate stress in the region –stress that we expect will eventually be released in future large earthquakes.  In other words, the New Madrid Seismic Zone is not dead” (Source).

 

According to USGS, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central United States has produced at least four large earthquakes of magnitudes of seven or over around 1811-1812 (Source).  Without question, an earthquake can occur anywhere, anytime and with great intensity. 

Below is an eyewitness account recorded by George Heinrich Grist as he described the intensity of the earthquakes as well as the fright among those experiencing the event in 1812, including the lost of animals (Source).  

 

Now, when we look in scripture at the words of Christ, clearly he prophesied earthquakes occurring in divers places will be a definite sign of the end of the age.  Well, what should we expect to happen based upon scripture?  According to scripture, we will have earthquakes and they will occur in various locations.  Christ does not provide specific information on the occurrence of these earthquakes i.e., specific number, specific locations, specific timing etc. We purely know that along with famines and pestilences, earthquakes would occur all over and they will be great (Luke 21:11).  Earthquakes at the end of this age are certain and they are significant enough for Christ to point out as a sign prior to His return.

As believers, we should not be fretful or anxious concerning end-time events for we have received warnings and we are not asleep.  Paul wrote “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).  There should be emphasis placed on this verse for when we are awake, we will see the signs that Christ foretold for what they truly are, which are signs of His imminent return. These signs (earthquakes, famines and pestilences) must occur; however as the author of Hebrews plainly states the focus of believers is on the hope of a Kingdom that will come that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).  

Let us remain in prayer, seeking the Father continually for truth, knowledge and the understanding of His word.  We will continue to see earthquakes with great intensity occuring all over the globe until Christ return, yet these earthquakes are not signs of an immediate end. Although they will be devastating, we must continue to hold fast to our faith. 

There is only one recorded earthquake in scripture of cataclysmic proportions, which is the "Quake" that will shake the heavens and the earth.  This earthquake will signal the time of the Father's wrath upon the earth.  John captures the details of this quake in his vision,

¹² ”When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, ¹³ and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.¹⁴ The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. ¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, ¹⁶ calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, ¹⁷ for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”(Revelation 6:12-17)

 

My friends, when the world experiences the "Quake" as described by John, it will be a terrible day upon the land. I pray the message of repentance and salvation will ring true in the hearts of many so all will be found holy on the day of His coming.  Let us be transformed by renewing our mind daily in His word – Peace and Love!