The Time Is Near

Scriptures: “These are the beginning of birth pains.” (Mark 13:7-8)

On Monday, an earthquake of 7.9 magnitude hit central China and severely damaged that area, an area that covers about 8 provinces. Photos and reports started to show up in TV and on internet. Per CNN, the latest official death toll is approaching 15,000. Many debris are yet to be removed. So are many more people buried are to be rescued.

A Chinese TV news broadcast here in Southern California interviewed a reporter from Chen-du in Sichuan of China who reported that many survivors of the earthquake are driving to the devastated area to help. These are help from individuals, apart from the search and rescue efforts from the government. Many non-government organizations, like Red-Cross and World Vision, have started their rescue missions by sending in rescue teams, medical staff, clothing, food, blankets, medical supplies, clean water, etc.

It was indeed one of the greatest earthquakes China has seen in recent years. Unforgettable pictures of people mourning over the loss of their loved ones, of the twisted and shattered road systems, of the old helpless people sleeping in the open areas without shelter and caring, of exhausted people giving everything they had trying to dig through debris to locate and rescue any possible survivors, and of many other “depressive” scenes have been shown on various new media. These pictures shocked us to the core and, hopefully, moved us to take action for we have been commanded by our Lord to share with all people what we have received from Him, materials and faith alike.

Having heard of this tragic earthquake, I went and did a quick survey over the earthquakes that took place in the last 30 days and had a magnitude of 6 or greater, as registered by U.S. Geological Survey. The result was astonishing:

4/15 2 times – 6.1 & 6.4
4/16 2 times – 6.3 & 6.6
4/19 2 times – 6 & 6.3
4/23 1 time – 6
4/24 1 time – 6.5
4/26 1 time – 6.1
4/28 3 times – 2 x 6.1 & 6.4
5/2 1 time – 6.6
5/7 3 times – 6.1, 6.2, & 6.8
5/9 1 time – 6.7
5/12 2 times – 6 & 7.9

In 30 days, there have been 19 earthquakes measured 6.0 or higher in Richter scale. Thankfully, except a few ones like the Sichuan earthquake in China and the one new Honsu, Japan, most of them took place in places where population is low. But, with this kind of frequency, I can’t help remembering what our Lord Jesus said in the book of Mark, “When you hear of wars and rumors, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (Mark 13:7-8)

In our generation, wars and famines are already everyday news. This news of devastating earthquake in China, and my reflections on it, seems to bring Jesus’ warning closer to my heart as Jesus said, “Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door.” (Mark 13:29)

The history of mankind continues to march down the path God has set for it and we are coming close to that time Jesus warned us about. Things will continue to unfold as He said they would. The question is not how we can avoid it. The question is not even how our Lord Jesus will protect us, for He will do so for every child of God. The question really is: are we ready to meet Him, if He comes today? When I see Him, what kind of life I can present to Him? Will it be a life built upon the Rock of All Ages, as He commanded? Or, will it a life built upon sand to receive great destruction?

Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the stream rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25) Let’s heed to His words and act on them so we may be ready for Him any time.

Prayer Requests:
For comforts and support to those earthquake victims in China

Prayer:

Father, we come to You in troubling spirits for we have heard the destructions resulted from the earthquake in China. Lord, You know what China has been through, generations of wars, dictatorship and natural and human disasters. People have been falling away because they have not come to know You. We pray that Your anointing Spirit be upon every child of God to offer, in any way You move them, to provide and to witness to the grace and richness God has to offer so they may be ushered into the glorious Kingdom of God. In the gracious name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!