…Continuing on the
subject of the places where God manifests Himself
God is found in the Earthquake — To Reveal
His Power
Natural earthquakes can cause massive destruction and loss
God's earthquakes and shakings can lead to His manifest presence and a strengthening of our faith.
My home country of
New Zealand has had some devastating earthquakes in the past few years. Two
friends of mine were killed in a powerful earthquake in Feb. 2011. Since then,
the government has passed laws requiring buildings to be strengthened and
reinforced so that they will be able to withstand further shaking.
God is shaking
everything that can be shaken in these days. The earthquake causes us to be
taken to extremes. It is the end of self and the beginning of God's power and
provision. The earthquake signifies great alterations and changes—everything is
shaken to the core and foundation.
I believe that the
Lord is calling us to strengthen our foundations and prepare for the difficult
days ahead. Only those with firm and sound foundations of faith will be able to
stand.
Many Christians
cite earthquakes as a sign of God’s displeasure or judgment, but you will see
below that the primary reason for earthquakes is because the Lord’s presence is
near.
Seven reason for
earthquakes in the Bible. We see them:
• Precede, accompany or follow God's voice
Ex. 19:18; Ps. 29:8; Joel 3:16; Amos 1:1; Rev. 11:13-19
Ex. 19:18
Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke,
because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke
of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.
• In the midst of God's presence or a
miraculous visitation of God's presence
Ps. 114:7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the
Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob (Ex. 19:18; Ps. 68:8; Ps. 77:18;
Ps. 99:1; Is. 29:6; Nahum 1:5; Acts 4:31; Acts 16:26)
• At the death and resurrection of Jesus
Matt. 27:51-54; Matt. 28:2;
• Preceding the latter glory of God in the
earth Hag. 2:6 6
"For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Once more (it is a
little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land;
and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the
Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the Lord
of hosts.
• At the return of Jesus Zech. 14:4-5
• In judgment—mostly in the end times
2Sam. 22:8; Ps. 18:7; Is. 2:19; Is. 13:13; Jer. 10:1; Ezek. 38:19 -20;
• As a sign of the end times Is. 2:21;
Matt. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11; Heb. 12:26 -27; Rev. 8:5; Rev. 11:13; Rev.
16:18
When a shaking
comes in the earth or in your personal life – look for God. He is so often
found in the shaking! No matter how uncomfortable life may be, set your eyes on
the Lord. If your foundations are sound, you will stand in the trial.
GOD IS WITH US IN THE EARTHQUAKE:
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so
that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors
were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
I just want to
conclude with this verse: Is. 64:1 Oh,
that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains
might shake at Your presence—
I am praying for
revival – that the Lord would come among us with His manifest presence – I am
looking for the revival earthquake!
