The book of Revelation in the Bible is either awe-inspiringly awesome or a leg-shaking volume of terror. Whichever way we see it, the book tells a story of a powerful God whose might and authority can shake the very heavens and the earth, until there is no man or beast left standing.
Revelation 6:12-17 begins with a disaster of epic proportions:
“When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale...”
As the passage continues, we read of men hiding in the mountains and calling on the rocks to fall on them to hide them from the face of God.
Revelation 13:2 describes a beast that would incite fear in any nightmare:
“And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.”
This beast is a fallen angel of despicable nature. Yet, his authority comes from God, and God will soon take it away in a violent wrenching of power and overcoming might.
Revelation 11:13 tells us that no one in the earth will be safe:
“And at that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.”
Only God can provide a safe haven in the end of the ages. Those who recognize the hand of God in the disasters and portentous events will find consolation amid the decimation.
Revelation 12:9 reveals the authority held in the cusp of God’s hand:
“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
The world cannot fight against God. Creation has no power that can withstand his clenched hand. When God makes a decree, there is none that can stand in his presence.
Revelation 11:19 gives us a glimpse of the source of God’s strength and the origination of his fist of iron:
“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.”
We don’t understand what God can do until we understand where he exists. Yes, he lives in our hearts and is found in everything around us, but that’s only a small portion of who and what he is. His very presence is filled with “lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.”
God is not man that we should understand him. When we quit trying and simply accept him, then we can begin to forge a connection with him through the works of his power and might.
The fist of God that shakes the heavens also reassures his creation when the storm passes by.
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