In the year 1600 B.C. the Minoan civilization was wiped from the face of the earth. Many archaeologists believe it was the devastating explosion of a volcano on the island of Thera that destroyed the Minoans.
We do not know if the Minoans had any warning their civilization was about to be decimated. However, it is likely that earthquakes and subsequent tremors rocked Thera for some time before the explosion.
In A.D. 62 a horrific earthquake struck the city of Pompeii. Then, 17 years later, Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii before the population could evacuate. Thousands died in the pyroclastic surge of glowing hot ash that surged down the mountain at up to 62 miles per hour.
We have proof the people of Pompeii had ample warning to flee. They had 17 years advance notice.
When spiritual destruction comes our way, does God give us any warning? Did the Jews have any idea that the Christ’s gospel was about to be taken away from them and given to the gentiles?
Let’s read of the earthquake that shook the Jewish nation, one that still rattles that nation’s bones today. In Acts 18:5-6, Paul resided in Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla, and he was joined by Silas and Timothy. At the prompting of the Spirit, Paul proclaimed the deity of Jesus to the Jews of Corinth, boasting Jesus as the Christ.
The Jews were incensed. They called Paul a liar and blasphemed against the Lord. The time was ripe for an earthquake.
It was to be God’s earthquake, one that would crack the very foundations of the Jewish nation. Paul was their advance warning to turn to the cross, their chance to evacuate the Law of Moses and flee to the safety of the Christ.
Paul stood before the mockers and the naysayers, and with a straight back and a firm voice, he shook his cloak out and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads. Henceforth, I will go unto the gentiles.” His words foretold the coming earthquake from God. The birthright of the Jews was being taken away to be given to the gentiles. The Jews only laughed and watched him go, completely unaware of the changes happening beneath their feet, and more importantly, in the spiritual fabric of their nation.
When God brings earthquakes into our lives, do we laugh them off, watching them disappear from our sight, or do we flee to the Father, with the understanding that he is our only safe ground?
We risk disaster when we do not find our refuge in the Lord.
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Code: FGO.H.16.13b.vp