Exodus 19:18 All Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke because JEHOVAH descended upon it in the form of fire; the smoke billowed into the sky as from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. [Living Bible]
1 Kings 19:11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain; it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind, there was an earthquake, but LORD was not in the earthquake….[Living Bible]
Matthew 27:50-51 Then JESUS shouted out again, dismissed HIS SPIRIT, and died. And look! The curtain secluding the Holiest Place in the Temple was split apart from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and rocks broke….[Living Bible]
Matthew 28:1-2 EARLY on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the LORD came down from heaven and rolled aside the stone….[Living Bible]
Acts: 4:31: After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook and they were all filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and boldly preached GOD’s message. [Living Bible]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
If you ask people in America what state they associate with earthquakes, many people will immediately think about California, especially given recent events. They will mention the 6.4 and 7.1 magnitude earthquakes that occurred over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Some will reach back in the annals of California history to mention the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the 2010 Baja California earthquake or others. Yet, few people associate earthquakes with the bible. But some of the “GREATEST” earthquakes are referenced in the HOLY WORD.
The bible is filled with wondrous, miraculous, incredible earthquakes. In fact, these are some of the greatest earthquakes of all time. Some believe when GOD established the foundations of the earth during creation, there was an earthquake. See Genesis1:10-11; Psalms 104. GOD moved waters, mountains, and set the earth on its foundations. When Moses met the LORD on Mt. Sinai before receiving The Ten Commandments, there was an earthquake (Exodus 19:18). Right before Elijah had an encounter with GOD, there was an earthquake. A great quake occurred in the city of Jerusalem when JESUS died on a cross at Golgotha or Calvary, a site immediately outside the Jerusalem walls. Matthew records that the earth shook, rocks broke, tombs opened up their contents.
Then early on Sunday morning, after the crucifixion, another earthquake occurred, marking the opening of one of the greatest tombs in history. This earthquake marked the resurrection of JESUS.
Another earthquake occurred the day after The Day of Pentecost. This quake marked the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, the power of prayer and the power of the emerging church and those who boldly witness and preach GOD’s WORD (Acts: 4:41).
We have heard and read about the jail earthquake that occurred when Paul and Silas were imprisoned and the jailer became a believer. (Acts 16:26). In addition, the Bible foretells of difficult times on earth, when there will be great earthquakes, famines (e.g., food shortages), pestilences (e.g., diseases, superbugs, etc.) wars and persecutions. Luke 21:11 warns us these will be “signs of the end.” During these times we are told to “stand firm” (Luke 21:19).
Revelations 6:12 also speaks of “a great earthquake,” when the sun turns lack like sackcloth and the moon blood red. And, there is the great Armageddon earthquake, before JESUS returns (Revelation 16:16-18).
For more references to biblical great earthquakes, see, “Greatest Earthquakes of the Bible,” by Steven A Austin, Ph.D. October 1, 2010, https://www.icr.org/article/greatest-earthquakes-bible/.
SHAKING UP YOUR DIET
Certain things you just need. For example, Calcium is one of those important minerals you need.
Calcium helps your body with:
- Building strong bones and teeth
- Clotting blood
- Sending and receiving nerve signals
- Squeezing and relaxing muscles
- Releasing hormones and other chemicals
- Keeping a normal heartbeat
Calcium makes up 920 to 1200 grams of adult body weight. It is 96% of the human body. Ninety-nine percent of calcium is contained in bones and teeth. Almost every cell in the body needs calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium, as you age the body will take calcium from your bones, which can sometimes lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become porous and fragile. Sometimes a person will experience no symptoms until the first fracture. According to WebMD, about 2 million fracture occur each year due to osteoporosis. See, https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/understanding-osteoporosis-basics. To prevent this from occurring, it is important to examine what you’re eating and “shake up your diet” to prevent calcium deficiency.
Some vegetables high in calcium include: Spinach, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Beet Greens, Bok Choy, Okra, Broccoli, Podded Peas (e.g. sugar snaps), Butternut Squash, Parsley, Brussels Sprouts, Soybean Sprouts, Green Beans.
If you are concerned whether you are getting enough calcium, speak with your personal physician.
PREPARE FOR THE BIG ONE
Many people today talk about earthquake preparedness. There is no doubt that everyone needs a plan. There are a number of websites to review to prepare: For example:
https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes
https://www.calacademy.org/explore-science/how-to-prepare-for-an-earthquake
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html
https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Although some of these sites may not mention it, remember within every plan and every emergency kit, be sure to include:
THE WORD OF GOD
Like calcium, GOD’s WORD is essential to our everyday survival and existence.
Avoid a fractured life, include THE WORD.
Some of the greatest earthquakes will still occur. It is not a matter of IF, but WHEN. And, it won’t just be in California. These great earthquakes will occur in all the earth!
Everyone will be shaken. Some are already feeling spiritual tremors.
So, prepare! Pray! And, pray one for another.
Prepare, stand FIRM and BE BLESSED!
