We live in earthquake country. During the 1989 quake, we were on a soccer field. When the earthquake began, everyone stopped what they were doing. We could literally feel and see the ground roll under us. The goal nets shook. Trees swayed. We didn’t know where the epicenter was or the level of destruction until later. The Bay Bridge sustained damage, the two-level Cypress Structure of Interstate 880 collapsed on commuters. We have relatives who drove that route daily, and the earthquake hit at 5:04 p.m. Thankfully, they were not crushed under tons of concrete.
Early this past Sunday morning, I awakened to another quake. It is an odd feeling to have an entire house shake, rattle and roll. We’re never sure if the earthquake is going to build or if we’ve already felt the worst of it. I was drowsy, but waking up fast. Oh, my God, feel that power! Rick was ready to plant a foot in my back to get me off the bed, onto the floor away from the windows. He covered me. Those few seconds when the earth is literally shaking can feel like an eternity. Rick is always faster to think rationally than I am, especially at 3:00 in the morning.
Those split seconds of an earthquake are the tiniest hint of the immense power God has at any given moment. He spoke everything into creation. One word from His mouth can bring a world into being. Literally. (And we think we can control the climate? Oh, the arrogance of humanity!)
I think of “the handwriting on the wall” when the Lord let God-mocker King Belshazzar know his reign was about to end. In one night, world power shifted from Babylon to the Medes and Persians. No politician or world leader can do that. Not then. Not now. Only God has that kind of power. Someday, He will say, “Enough!” and the Day of Judgment will be at hand.
If you want to feel secure and safe in this time of the earth-shaking turmoil of wars, disease, drought, and disaster, look to the Lord. Look to Jesus Christ! In Him, you have peace with God. Don’t fool yourself into believing He takes sin lightly, or that you can move into His house (heaven) because you think you’ve been good enough. Jesus is God’s Son, and He said, “I am the only way to the Father.” Jesus is the gate. God holds the key. GOD decides. And He’s already told us He opens the door only to those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to get what I deserve: Hell. So I’m clinging to Jesus who paid for my sins. All of us are eternal souls housed in temporal bodies. What we believe about Jesus decides our future address: Heaven or Hell. Our decision about Jesus has eternal consequences. It’s important for you to know that no decision IS a decision, and not one that will get you inside the gates of heaven.
I think of my Christian brothers and sisters who were recently murdered by Isis, and I am convinced through the written promises of God that they are alive and well right now, in His Presence, in Paradise.
How about you? Do you still think you can make it through life and into heaven on your own? Or are you safe in Christ Jesus, living out the promises and assurances God has given through His Word? God gave you free will. Heaven or Hell? God will honor your decision.