The recent earthquake reminded me that three of the most sensational events in history were marked by earthquakes. When God gave the 10 commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai we are told that, “The Lord descended upon it in fire! Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace and the whole mountain quaked greatly.” And so did Moses! And so should we if we have broken God’s commands and not repented and asked for forgiveness. Even sceptics have to admit that the 10 Commandments are so comprehensive and perfect that no human being could have compiled them. The giving of these laws from God was truly a seismic event. [ Exodus 19 v 18 & ch 20 ]

2000 years after Moses, Jesus came down to earth from heaven to make forgiveness possible. He did this by dying on the cross for our sins. For 3 hours the sun was darkened then out of the darkness came these awesome words, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me.” [ Matthew 27:46 ] These mark the moments when Jesus was actually separated from His Father when, “He became sin for us.” [ 2 Corinthians 5:21 ] As He died the earth quaked and the rocks split. When the soldiers standing by felt the earthquake they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” [ Matthew 27:54 ]

Three days later when some faithful women visited the tomb of Jesus we read that there was a great earthquake, an angel descended from heaven and rolled back the stone from the door of the tomb and sat on it. The guards shook for fear and fainted but the women ran to proclaim the greatest news the world had ever heard – that death had been conquered! [ Matthew 28 ] Earthquakes are also one of the signs of the times indicating the second coming of Christ is drawing near. [ Matthew 24:7 ]