Earthquake!
Many of us felt an unfamiliar sensation on the evening of Tuesday, March 31. The earth is supposed to be a stable and reliable solid surface. When the ground, buildings, and fixtures begin to move it leaves us with an unsettled—even frightened—feeling. Beyond the scientific geological explanation, what does the Bible have to say about earthquakes?
Several scriptures reference earthquakes in Bible times. They were a significant historical event and often an indicator of important events.
The Death of Jesus
When Jesus (who was God manifest in flesh) died by crucifixion, an earthquake was recorded with a magnitude strong enough to split rocks. This event was a pivotal moment in the history of time and it was marked by an earthquake.
Matthew 27:50-51 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
The Resurrection
Three days after the death of Christ the Jerusalem hills experienced another “great” earthquake. The natural phenomenon was connected to the body of Jesus coming back to life and emerging from the tomb.
Matthew 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Midnight Jail Break
Two missionaries were incarcerated for preaching the gospel of Jesus in the Greek city of Philippi. As they prayed and sang, a “great” earthquake shook the prison such that all prisoners were loosed and the prison doors were unlocked.
Acts 16:25-26 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
These instances illustrate that local geologic events were times when God was doing a significant work. There is a more commonly cited scripture that reveals the meaning of earthquakes.
Sign of the Second Coming of Christ
Jesus was teaching about the signs of the final days—also known as the end times. He revealed that one of the natural signs of the second return of Christ would be earthquakes in many different places.
Matthew 24:6-7 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. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
There is no doubt that recent weeks have been unprecedented times. New events are unfolding each day. A surprise earthquake ought to cause all who felt it to pause and consider, am I ready for what may come next? Is God trying to speak to me? What work is God doing today?
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