Hurricanes, Earthquakes, and other Signs of the Last Days

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven
Luke 21:25 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

Many people are beginning to ask questions about bible prophecy in these last days. We are seeing catastrophic events take place on a regular basis. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are affected by these natural disasters-it is truly heartbreaking. But on that same note, I also think it would be heartbreaking not to realize the prophetic (biblical) significance of these events. The focus of this article is not to pass judgment on those who have been affected or to try and compare the sinfulness of some areas as compared to others-truly gross darkness is beginning to cover the whole earth-not just areas affected by storms and earthquakes. But these events do tell us something of where we are on the prophetic calendar (without being dogmatic about dates, charts, and timelines of course). With that said, let's look at this a little deeper:

I posted the two scriptures above from the gospel of Luke. I put special emphases upon the phrases "great earthquakes in diverse places" and "the sea and the waves roaring." There are some who scoff at the notion that weather plays any part in the end-times scenario. In doing so, they show a blatant disregard for the clear teaching(s) of Jesus on this subject. The arguments usually stem from an attitude which states "there have always been hurricanes and earthquakes, why should these be any different." While it is probably true that there have always been natural disasters, the point Jesus is trying to make is that they will be normative AND observable. Back in the dark ages, how would one know if there were earthquakes in divers places? Would it not require the type of technology that we now have to be able to be cognicent of this activity taking place all around the globe? And also, we should note that Jesus said there would be "great" earthquakes- indicating these would not just be mild tremors.

And the "sea and waves roaring" passage-the same truth applies. Scientists are even admitting that these events are taking place with greater frequency and intensity. Whether or not we are truly experiencing "global warming" is not for me to say- however...if it is, then it is all part and parcel of God's prophetic plan for the nations! True science doesn't really conflict with the Bible...actually it confirms it. We can expect as the time draws near for Christ's return that the waters will become more and more unstable and climatic changes are inevitable. We read in the book of Revelation that the sun will become so hot that it will scorch mankind:

Revelation 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. (KJV)

Which brings me to my next point-and an important one at that! All of the scriptures I have shared thus far, have to do with what the bible calls the Tribulation period. Yes, that's right- the worst is yet to come. If we are seeing the foreshadowings of the tribulation period- how much closer are we to the rapture of the church? Doubtless, we are at the door of Christ's return for His church (i.e."the Rapture or Catching Away"). I don't have time here to explain why I believe Christ will return for His true church before the rapture but you can Read about it here

The reason (I believe) we are seeing more catastrophic events and natural disasters take place is not only because it is time for the return of Christ, but because mankind has become exceedingly sinful. The effects of sin are not only visible within humanity (i.e. all the violence, immorality, idolatry, rebellion against God) , but within the creation itself. Remember Jesus warned that if the people didn't praise Him the rocks would "cry out." I want to point out a scripture in Romans which will bear this out:

Romans 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (NIV)

Not only are humans waiting for the redemption to take place, but the whole creation is "groaning" for redemption. Notice that the imagery of childbirth is in place- this is in perfect harmony with the way Jesus described the events of the last days. He also compared it to childbirth :

Matthew 24:7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains (NIV)

Anyone who knows the process of childbirth will understand the analogy. As the time draws nearer-the contractions become more frequent.....and more intense! Beloved, we are truly living at the end of the age. It is my prayer and sincere desire that we would all be ready and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

God bless you for heeding the message of Christ's soon return!