Have you ever heard of a moving city? Sound like something that hasn’t happened since the Native Americans had free reign of North America. Well, Chile has heard about it. The violent 8.8 February 27th quake moved the Chilean city of Concepcion at least 10 feet to the west. Although 500 times stronger than the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti in January, the tragedies were much less. But Chile wasn’t done; this morning (March 11) 3 strong quakes, all above 6.0, struck the country. If it’s not Chile or Haiti, it’s China, or Indonesia, or Turkey, all within the last 60 days.
People are concerned. After the memorial service this week, honoring the life of Albert Becker, while we were still standing next to the tombstone, I was asked – what do all these earthquakes mean… is it the end? Jesus actually tells us exactly what these mean, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:7,8) The very next thing Jesus says will happen is persecution for those who are faithful in obedience and faith to Jesus. Earthquakes are not the final bell, but are the warning indicators. Something is coming.
So what about a moving city? The Chilean city of Concepcion isn’t the only one I have ever heard about: And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2) There it is, the New Jerusalem will move, not 10 feet, but from heaven to earth. The beloved disciple follows his announcement with a reminder that when the New Jerusalem moves, there will be no death or sorrow.
The best reminder, "No more death or sorrow." It is truly music to my ears. I cannot wait for that day, I even long for that day. When I was a tiny person, I didn't really get that I could be part of the generation to see Jesus coming in the clouds- and my dad would say to me, "Jessica, if I die before Jesus comes we'll meet under the tree of life."
ReplyDeleteI fully believe now- we live in a strange and unusual time and that we are closer than ever to the return of Jesus! Hallelujah!