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Msg #591         Wednesday,

January 13, 2010

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when you hear…do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. …there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.  (Mark 13:7–8)

An earthquake struck Haiti!  At 4:53 on Tuesday afternoon, yesterday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck Haiti just 10 miles west of Porte-au-Prince and its 2 million inhabitants.   The USGS called it the strongest earthquake in Haiti since 1770.

For all of us…this is likely not new information.   News channels, radios and internet sites have brought before us the devastation and fear that rages in Haiti at this very moment.   Prayers are needed and support is pouring it – both of which are vitally necessary.  I encourage you to do both. 

Question for you, beyond this vital response of prayer and support – how should you and I be processing this earthquake?  Consider just a couple of passages quickly.

Earthquakes are to be expected, Jesus said so. 

…there will be earthquakes in various places…

Jesus told us that such things were to be expected and in the midst of them not to assume the end of the world was taking place. 

when you hear…do not be troubled … but the end is not yet

Such reasoning is easier for those hundreds and thousands of miles away, yet one can only imagine the fear and thoughts of those caught in such an occurrence.  There is a sense that Jesus wants them to know that such catastrophe is not proof that the end of the world is taking place…necessarily.

Earthquakes will increase.

… earthquakes in various places …These are the beginnings of sorrows

The word translated “sorrows” here is the technical word that speaks of “birth pangs”.   Ask any new parent how birth pangs work, and they will tell you that one of the key ways of determining when a child is going to be born is that the birth pangs would grow increasingly stronger, more regular and closer together.   Earthquakes are part of God’s warning system for mankind.  Earthquakes that grow stronger, more regular and closer together is a reminder that the expected end of the world is near.   Each pang should cause us to be just a little more aware of the soon and surely coming end of the world…it is true!  This is not some fanatic saying this…it is Jesus telling us of what is coming.

An earthquake coming…like none the world has yet known

… and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. (Revelation 16:18)

Seeing the damage, destruction and results of the earthquake in Haiti are like a foreshadowing, a preview of what is coming for all the earth.

So, again, how should we respond to an Earthquake like this, spiritually?

Such knowledge should cause us to be expectant.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! …Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Mark 13:28–31)

Such knowledge should cause us to live ready for Jesus’ return.

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34–36)

So, join me in praying for those in Haiti.  Where you can, support those financially who are rushing to help.   Where God puts someone in your path hurting because of this catastrophe, comfort them.  But, make sure that you also take it to heart and allow this “birth pang” to cause you to be aware and ready for the return of Jesus!

And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37)

Jim

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