Where God's Judgment Begins


For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1Pet 4:17)


In the midst of the Middle East turmoil an earthquake hit Christchurch today (22 Feb 2011) at 12:51pm local time. Yeshua predicted that earthquakes will occur in diverse places (Matt 24:7) and geologist are reporting more than doubling of these geophysical events:

 DATES FROM TO      PERIOD            NO. EARTHQUAKES (Mag.> 6.99) 

  1863 to 1900 incl            38 yrs         12
 1901 to 1938 incl            38 yrs          53                                         Reference list 1901 to 1938
 1939 to 1976 incl            38 yrs          71                                         Reference list 1939 to 1976
 1977 to 2014 incl *          38 yrs         156 (to Sept. 2010) predict >190 in total.Reference list 1977 to date

(Data from http://www.earth.webecs.co.uk/)


Since this is the first major earthquake for 2011 and I wonder if there is any significance? Especially that 'Christchurch' was affected. Something for us to ponder, but not to remain in the state of awe but be watchful and in prayer always that we may be accounted worthy to escape 'these things'  that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). The context is with regard to the 'fig tree' (Matt 24:32), Israel, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. Even Bible scholars of yonder years like Matthew Henry and Clarke make mention to watch for the coming attack on Israel and Jerusalem before the great and terrible day of the LORD.


And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zec 12:10)

'In that day' is a repeated statement by YHWH in Zechariah 12 that He will perform His Covenant and promises made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David and all Israel will be saved (Rom 11:26). And we the gentile church who have been grafted (Rom 11:17) into the vine of God's covenant will be finally one with Israel.

God has to judge the His household first, lest He be accused of being unjust. My brothers and sisters, are we ready for that Day of the Lord? Are we in the continual stature of praying and watching, our spiritual eyes toward Heaven and physical eyes looking at the events taking place in and around Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem till YHWH makes that city a praise in all the earth (Isa 62:7). Pray and make disciples for the fullness of the gentiles is at hand (Rom 11:25) and the door will close, but be opened for the salvation of the Jewish nation. We have a glorious destiny, are we ready and willing to lay down even our lives for that which is eternal and glorious.