8.9 Earthquake

Post 173

This morning as we watch the horrible news of Japan’s 8.9 earthquake and resulting tsunami that erased entire communities from the map leaving virtually nothing behind but clean foundations where buildings used to stand, we grieve for those many people whose lives have been suddenly shattered.

This devastating problem eclipses the potential collapse of Saudi Arabia, which was said would begin today in a pre-planned “Day of Rage”.

It overshadows the very serious economic problems in the United States, and it minimizes the consequences of the growing abandonment of our laws by both our governments and our peoples in our present Union sponsored revolt/protests.

I have already seen on the news one broadcaster ask a priest the common resulting question; “Why does God allow these kinds of disasters?”
Did those Japanese people commit some greater sin against God than the rest of us? Are these all signs of the wrath of God and the end of world?

"...Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Matthew 24:3

Jesus answered them;
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. (all over) All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (birth pangs) Matthew 24:6-8

So if by Jesus’ own words, these disasters are not declaring, "the end is here", why did Jesus bring them up at all?
Birth pangs are not punishment to a supposed wicked woman for having a baby; they are simply natural signs that “the” event is coming.

The “woman” (earth) has been pregnant for some time now gestating "the end" until it comes. These signs we are seeing are the pains that indicate the actual labor period that brings birth, is soon to come.
So while the world mocks God for his long delay and empty threats, the believer understands that God is so full of love for mankind that he gives us increasing warning after warning after warning in a desire for people to wake up and respond to God before it is actually too late.

The challenging question aimed at God should not be; “Why did he allow this disaster?” The question should be aimed at ourselves; “Why does God delay obliterating us all for our rebellion?” Yet using our scale of values, we simply cannot see our offense to our Maker, and so look up confused and ask; Why? as if we deserve to be treated better.
It seems what we think we "deserve" is a bit different that what God thinks we deserve, and this is a significant gap that really must be addressed…. but not here.
This disaster is not a punishment from God, but a painful contraction of the end that is coming naturally.
To question why God allows disasters is like asking why a pregnant woman has contractions. It is a natural part of the process.

But earthquakes are only one of several signs indicating the end. *1

* * *

In answer to his disciple's question; "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Jesus gave us signs;
..."And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." Matthew 24:6

Looking seriously at the beginning of signs listed by Jesus, we can honestly ask;
How many rumors of war have you heard?
I’ve never heard even one that I know of.
But if these rumors were not significant, Jesus would not have included them in the early signs; “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:8

Looking seriously at the beginning of signs listed by Jesus, we can honestly ask; “How many rumors of war have you heard?” I’ve never heard even one that I know of. But if these rumors were not significant, Jesus would not have included them in the early signs; “All these are (just) the beginning of sorrows (birthpangs).” Matthew 24:8

Therefore I am suggesting that we can soon expect a growing trend of rumors of wars that perhaps never materialize among the actual wars that do*2. Yet while we are contemplating this “sign” to include rumors in the topic of wars, we have to ask; What is the significance of rumors of wars as opposed to just regular wars?
In later posts I will expand on the concept of confusion that will trademark the nature of the last Gentile GDE. I propose that Rumors of Wars will be a significant tool to “move” nations and peoples to voluntary results desired by the powers that be.

And haven’t there been lots of serious earthquakes and tsunamis long before this?
So why would we imagine this one is any different?
It isn’t.
It is simply more of the same when viewed individually.
But the tremendous increase in frequency of large earthquakes is alarming. And this one happens to be the 5th largest ever recorded. In the words of a pregnant woman, that means something!

We have seen nearly as many large earthquakes in the past decade than in the previous 100 years, and more than the previous 3000 years before that! *3
That is something worth noting.

But there are more signs provided that also must be seen in the mix before we can declare these are actually the beginning of sorrows;
• Many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
• Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars:
• For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
• And there shall be famines,
• And pestilences,
• And earthquakes, in diverse places (all over, not just the organized faultlines) (Matthew 24:5-7).
These signs are not the end; only the beginning of labor-pains (Matthew 24:8).
Yes, we see all these signs on the earth today, already growing in frequency and intensity. This means we are long past the “getting pregnant” stage, and already past the standard gestation period, and are now entering the labor pain period.

It is important to note that birth pangs are not distinguishable between early ones from the later until after the later ones are experienced. The pangs near the actual event are the same “pangs” as those at the beginning; just worse. The only difference is the intensity and frequency. But even this is just a general evaluation and not a pure science because it is all about comparison; How strong? How far apart? This remains unknown by the first time mother as she experiences the events in order.
Therefore we should first see all these signs listed as simply a reminder that the earth is pregnant and will eventually give birth at the end of the pain. The early signs will not change in nature; they will simply come more often and be more significant.
Are we seeing these signs yet? Yes we are, and we have been for a while.
Are they increasing in intensity and frequency? This is argued due to ignorance and a lack of experiential knowledge.
For some it seems clear that the answer is yes, for others they say it has always been this way. I submit, before the end comes, everyone will agree the frequency and intensity have increased greatly, and most will be sure “this one is it!” before the event actually comes.

* * *

For some this knowledge we are not at the end yet, will give them confidence to continue their present ways with less stress, for others it will give them extra needed time to make things right with God.

Not to create a rabbit trail, but Matthew 24:3 tells us the Jews asked a third question that the Gentiles did not ask as recorded in Luke 21:7
The Jews as it were, were asking about his return, the Gentiles as it were, were asking about the event of the temple destruction. Jesus answered both questions in his answer because the signs would be the same; once in about 40 years from then, and again at the end. (I am speaking simplistically to describe Jesus mulit-application to his answer.)

Matthew 24:9 tells us whenever the actual beginning of sorrows begins, THEN there are additional signs Jesus gives;
• Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,
• And shall kill you:
• And ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
And THEN; still more signs (Matthew 24:10-13)
• Many will be offended and betray one another, and hate one another
• Many false prophets will deceive many
• Because of iniquity, the love of many shall wax cold.
But the Jews are supposed to endure unto the end.
Yes, we see these Jewish events have already occurred in the diaspora and the Holocaust, but prophecy tells us these will occur again with greater intensity.
The first event historically killed 1/3 of all Jews, the next one will take 2/3.(Zechariah 13:8, Daniel 7:5,21,25)

Only by examining the same narration in Luke 21:9-19, do we see this part was delivered to the Jews, while the Gentiles heard the same message but were given their answers to their own questions: Same event, different (though similar) instructions:

• Small point; Matthew says rumors, Luke says commotions. (Luke 21:9) One is something that is not true, the other is general turmoil. The Jews greatly fear annihilating war, the Gentiles fear global conflicts of unrest.
It is my firm belief that the present and regular rumors of the Muslim nations preparing to destroy Israel, is the tool used to get Israel to voluntarily choose an intended path.
• The list remains the same until Luke adds; “and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” (Luke 21:11) Curious why Matthew did not include this part of Jesus narrative, to the Jews. I do not know why, except to say the signs from heaven will be for the Gentile Christians, not the Jews. (Remember Revelation 12:3 the sign of the Antichrist's arrival.)
• Then Luke 21:12 has an interesting diversion; “But BEFORE all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.” This is not the message given to the Jews. This is a Christian message. So if we believe the signs are upon us, we must believe the events of this “BEFORE” have already taken place. And so they did in the great Christian persecution by the hands of the Roman Catholic Church. (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, A Woman Rides the Beast -Dave Hunt)
• Then Luke details some refined instruction for these accused in Luke 21:13-15
• Verse 16 begins with an “and”. I suggest this defines a difference from the previous events, I propose this “and” falls back into the timeline of the list of things before the “But before all these” we saw in verse 12. I do not see the Jews betraying one another, they have a unification in their common fear of annihilation, whereas the Gentile Christians are more mixed among the heathens; Some family members are Christians while others are not; “And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And you shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.” Luke 21:16-18 *4
• “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19 Not quite the same instruction as the Jews got in Matthew 24:13 “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” This is because while the Jews must endure the entire great tribulation (Description begins in Matthew 24:14 and runs to :22) The Christian has hope of being caught away into heaven before the tribulation begins.
• Now at verse 18 the Christians are gone from the earth and the narrative of Jesus continues to the Jews specifically… but the birth pangs of the end are not yet done! The intensity and magnitude just keeps getting greater!
• “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26 If we think the global disasters we are seeing now are something, this list should give us new perspective!
• “AND THEN shall they see the Son of man coming in the cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27 This will not be a secret event as the “rapture” was, the whole world will see Jesus 2nd coming over a period of time as the arrival of a Asteroid might come.

* * *

Then Jesus stops talking about the future, and speaks directly to them of that future day; “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged (925 to burden) with surfeiting, *2897 and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34
These three distractions pretty much cover all of life, good or bad;
Stress, denial, and obligations.
Jesus says; Don’t be distracted by these to the neglection of your spiritual alertness. “for as a snare shall it (that day) come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.” Luke 21:35
So how does a snare catch its prey? It is artfully and carefully set so that the prey does not know it is there and stumbles into it before it even knows it is caught. Jesus says everyone everywhere on the whole earth will be caught in the snare of the evils of that day. Good or bad people alike will have to endure the hardships of that day, just as Christian and non-Christian alike suffer in the events of the 8.9 earthquake in Japan today, perhaps as an early pang of the greater sorrows yet to come.
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36
This verse confirms that we actually can escape what the previous verses said would fall upon virtually everyone on the earth at the time it comes. The only way for us to escape it is to not be on the earth! Another confirmation of the rapture which Christians are now eagerly watching for. (II Thessalonians 4:14-18) Even so Lord, come!

My heart goes out to those people caught in this horrific event today.

* * * * * * *

*1 The end of what? ;
The confusion of birthpangs of disasters; both natural and man-made, and God’s wrath as signs of the end, is resolved in the study of just what is it that will be born? The prophecy seems to be impossible to resolve if we think “the end of world” is what is born.
It will take an entire study of its own to properly investigate this topic, so I will only here state that the end of the world is not the thing born.
The kingdom of Christ on this earth is the end result of all the birthpangs.
"The End" means the end of the pregnancy, not the end of the earth.

*2 Rumours 189 akoe; from 191; hearing (the act, the sense of the thing heard)

*3 Historic Earthquake list:
1831 BC to 1901 AD (3130 years): 114 over 5.8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_earthquakes
1091 to 2000 (100 years): 236 over 5.8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_20th-century_earthquakes
2000 - 2011 (10 years): 202 over 5.8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_21st-century_earthquakes
“… In terms of fatalities, the 2010 Haiti Earthquake was the most destructive event, followed by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, 2005 Pakistan Earthquake and 2008 Sichuan Earthquake.”
Yes, I agree we do not have confidence of the complete records of early quakes, but due to the records we do have of those ancient significant quakes, it cannot be denied the extreme lack of numbers over a 3000 year period is significant!
We do have great records over the past 100 years, and the last 10 years is comparable to all the large quakes of the past 100 years! wow.
It is also significant to note the average magnitude of our modern quakes is increasing, and the largest 5 have all occurred in the past 10 years.

*4
This single paragraph of Jesus seems to have a pretty significant anomaly in it; How can you be put to death, yet not a hair of your head perish? The key appears to be in the word perish;

Perish 622 apollumi; from 575 and the base of 3639; to destroy fully (reflexive to perish, or lose), literal or figurative.
575 apo; a primary particle; “off” i.e. away (from something near) in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literally or figuratively.
3639 olethros; from a prime ollumi (to destroy); ruin, i.e. death, punishment.

We must conclude that in this use, the word perish means death, but most likely speaking of spiritual death since Jesus just said;
“And some of you shall they cause to be put to death” Luke 21:16. Clearly this cannot be interpreted to mean anything cryptic, it means some will die, (yet apparently not a great number.)
The explanation in this apparent schism in Jesus words is found in the pages of the “Fox’s Book of Martyrs” showing that regardless of the unspeakable tortures and deaths the Christians already have and will experience, not a single hair of their faith did and/or will be shaken loose. God kept them in that time of the past, and will keep them in this time.
This might seem a bit weak from our present state of comfort, and I feel that I don't have complete knowledge of this meaning, but just as a mental exercise; suppose the religious law which orders the execution, declares that such a death will ensure your failure to enter heaven? Did you know this is the kind of reasoning the Roman Catholic Church used to burn their Christian victims with fire?
Jesus then might be confirming the death by which they will be killed (decapitation) will NOT eternally hurt a single hair on their bodiless head as they might be told!

Now I don’t know this, I am simply providing an understanding mindframe; that when this event actually occurs, the Christian that will be lead away to their death will agree with Jesus words; “But there shall not an hair of your head perish.”

* surfeiting 2897 a headache (as a seizure of pain) from drunkenness, i.e. (by implication) a debauch (by analogy) a glut.
*