Quakes and eclipse
By Paul Bawden
The recent morning earthquake in the Northeast got everyone’s attention, particularly those affected by the quake. This earthquake was the strongest recorded in the Northeast in more than a decade, according to USGS records – 4.8 on the RIckter scale. Thankfully, there were no injuries, although buildings shook and people were on edge.
It’s interesting that the East Coast quake struck two days after a powerful 7.4-magnitude temblor shook the island of Taiwan – the strongest to hit the island in 25 years. At least 12 people were killed and more than 1,000 others injured. Be praying for those who lost loved ones, and healing for the injured. The two incidents are not thought to be related, said Dara Goldberg, a USGS geophysicist. “We’re much too far of a distance for the stress on the fault of Taiwan to affect New York,” she said.
Then, as I write this article, an amazing solar eclipse is taking place on a path of more than 100 miles from Mexico’s Pacific coast going northeast through Texas, such states as Missouri, Illinois, and then on toward New York, to Maine, and on to Canada. Millions have gathered to observe this heavenly spectacle, as the moon’s movement briefly blocks out the shining sun – when the moon passes between the earth and sun, making the sun’s outer atmosphere like a glowing halo. There will not be another solar eclipse visible from the USA again until 2044.
The earth is getting shook up. The heavens are displaying a phenomenal sight with amazing precision. Are these happenings just so-called mother nature in action?
An earthquake, like the one in the Northeast, can have some explanation as old faults slowly accumulate stress and occasionally something slips, according to Frederik J. Simons, a professor of geosciences at Princeton University as he spoke with NBC.
Then, I understand that the full solar eclipse can be predicted to happen with precision, since we know the exact positions of the moon and the sun and how they shift over time. And with cutting-edge computers, it’s possible to chart eclipse paths down to a range of a few feet.
When we take time to look at the Bible, we discover some interesting teaching. According to Romans 8:22, “the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.” Then the Scripture goes on to say that creation awaits the day of redemption, that is to be delivered from sin that plagues it. Could it be that the earthquakes are a sign that the earth is waiting the day of redemption from the curse of sin it is under? Such redemption will occur when Christ returns to earth and sets up His 1000-year reign on earth, eventually He will create a new heaven and earth.
The amazing occurrence of the solar eclipse with such precision points us to the Creator, Jesus Christ – as the heavens are telling of the glory of God and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1). Only the Creator could design such precision and display of His glory! Man with his theory of evolution is left in the dust, worshipping the limited creation rather than the eternal Creator (Romans 1:18-24).
I realize these biblical teachings don’t cut it in the public arena today. Regardless, that doesn’t mean Christ will not return in His time and bring full redemption to His world. He will return, you can count on it. He came the first time, and He will come the second time. Are you ready to meet your Redeemer, Jesus Christ? I trust you have made that decision to follow Him (Romans 10:9-13). If you have, give Him the glory and praise! If not, decide for Him today and live for Him!
Paul Bawden is married and served in the pastoral ministry for 45 years, retiring in 2011. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Speech and attended Dallas Theological Seminary, receiving a Master of Theology. He has taken counseling courses at Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Deerfield, Illinois. Paul is a lifetime member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, as well as being a member of Interim Pastor Ministries (IPM), which serves churches during their time of transition in searching for a new pastor. He writes for Union Gospel Press, as well as being a volunteer writer for GotQuestions.org. Paul likes to write, read, bike, and work in the yard. The Bawdens have had the privilege to travel to Mexico and Romania on mission trips and visited various countries in Europe.