An earthquake rocked the island nation of Taiwan last week, centered in the city of Hualien. Reports indicate that there are at least thirteen casualties, with hundreds injured. It was measured at 7.2. A 4.8 earthquake centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, occurred just days ago. 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 isโa 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 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 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 diatribes 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? 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 will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together 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.”
“Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” (Zephaniah 3:8).
The prophet Joel spoke of the days when the things mentioned above would transpire. Joel 3:16-17 reads: “The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.”
God is causing every biblical end time player to move into place. The U.S. 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 U.S. 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 โ 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 looks for the blessed hope of Jesus’ return.
There is a whole lot of shaking going on now. 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.
