An earthquake rocked the island nation of Taiwan recently, centered in the city of Hualien. Reports indicate that there were at least nine casualties with hundreds injured. It was measured at 7.2. Only days after that, a 4.8 earthquake centered near Lebanon, New Jersey occurred. The earthquake was felt by residents of New York City and the tri-state area.
These geological events naturally grab the headlines. That is no surprise. What I do find surprising is that the massive shaking that is ramping up in the Middle East is not seen or understood for what it is – a sure sign that the world is about to experience the direct hand of God. Let me explain.
The enemies of God and notably the Arab and Muslim Islamic instigators of war, terrorism, and antisemitism, are in full rage mode. Israel’s recent airstrike upon an Iranian government Consulate building and the elimination of several high-ranking members of the Iranian Revolution Guard and diplomatic support staff, is the excuse Iran needed to come out into the open and attack Israel either from Iranian soil or through Iran’s proxies in primarily Lebanon, Syria, or both.
The normal voices of Anti-Israel, Anti-Jew, bigotry, and hatred have joined together and a growing crescendo of unhinged irrational verbal pogroms against the nation and people of Israel will fuel a violent response. This swell of verbal diatribe is being echoed even in Washington D.C. Will the Biden administration abandon Israel? Time will tell.
Is any of this a surprise to Christians who read and study the Bible, and who understand that most of the prophecies concerning Israel have yet to be fulfilled? All signs appear to be pointing to our day for the beginning of God’s move to protect His people and His land Israel, and to bring them into saving faith in their Messiah Jesus.
Several prophets spoke of that day. For example, Zechariah wrote, “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it (Zechariah 12:2-3; emphasis added).
Zephaniah likewise spoke of a day when the enemies of Israel would rise against her in what will seem to be overwhelming odds. “Therefore, wait for Me,” declares the Lord, “For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal (Zephaniah 3:8).
The prophet Joel spoke of the days when the things mentioned above would transpire. Joel 3:16-17 reads:
16 The Lord roars from Zion
And utters His voice from Jerusalem,
And the heavens and the earth tremble.
But the Lord is a refuge for His people
And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.
17 Then you will know that I am the Lord your God,
Dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain.
So Jerusalem will be holy,
And strangers will pass through it no more.
God is causing every biblical end time player to move into place. The US is playing a role as well. The Biden administration continues to provoke Russia. The latest misstep is the authorization for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to announce the US intention to bring Ukraine into NATO. The ignorance on the part of those controlling Washington D.C. is breath-taking. If the placing of ballistic weapons in Ukraine elicited the current devastating response from Russia, what response will we see to this announcement of NATO membership?
The nations are being clearly divided along the line of support for Israel, and those who desire to destroy Israel. The only question that remains to be answered is this – how long will it be before Russia and Iran announce open and direct war against Israel?
What we are witnessing is the run-up to God’s direct intervention on behalf of His people Israel. There is a spiritual earthquake rumbling in the earth right now. The shaking going on in the heavens is being felt by every believer who has ears to hear and eyes to see and who look for the blessed hope of Jesus’ return.
There is a whole lot of shaking going on. Stay focused friends. This is not a time to worry but to use the news to preach Jesus. Our God reigns today, and he will reign tomorrow and forevermore.
Dr. Mike Spaulding
Pastor, Calvary Chapel of Lima
Image by Andrew Martin from Pixabay