The headlines over the last 24 hours have left many of us shaken. Hearing about powerful, back-to-back earthquakes striking Venezuela, a strong tremor off the coast of Japan, and seismic activity right here in California—all within a matter of hours—it is completely natural to feel a sense of unease.
This sudden, global frequency of major earthquakes has sparked intense conversations worldwide. It has caused many people—both Christians who know biblical prophecy and non-Christians who are simply looking at the state of the world—to openly wonder if these events are an explicit indication that the end is near. In times of such visible global shaking, where do we turn for perspective?
As people of faith, we don’t have to wonder in the dark. Scripture directly addresses these moments, but it also gives us a profound sense of peace and a clear directive on how we should respond.
What Scripture Says About Earthquakes
When the disciples sat on the Mount of Olives, they asked Jesus the very same question being echoed across social media today: "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). Jesus’ response gives us the perfect framework for understanding these events.
Matthew 24:5-8 NIV [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. [6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of birth pains. (emphasis mine)
Notice the phrase Jesus uses: "the beginning of birth pains." Just like labor contractions, these natural disasters are indicators that a new creation is coming, but they are not the final event itself. They are reminders that we live in a broken world that is eagerly awaiting God’s ultimate restoration.
Fear vs. Readiness: Our True Calling
It is easy to see why the current alignment of global events has so many people—regardless of their background—believing we are reaching a critical threshold. However, Scripture reminds us that tracking the calendar or panicking over timelines isn't our job. Instead, these events are a trumpet call to check our hearts, realign our priorities with God's will, and anchor our faith.
Luke 21:8-31 NIV [8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. [9] When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” [10] Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [11] There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. [12] “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. [13] And so you will bear testimony to me. [14] But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. [15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. [16] You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. [17] Everyone will hate you because of me. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] Stand firm, and you will win life. [20] “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. [21] Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. [22] For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. [23] How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. [24] They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. [25] “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. [26] People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. [27] At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” [29] He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. (emphasis mine)
The focus isn't on destruction; it's on the reality of God's approaching Kingdom. Rather than shaking with fear, we are called to stand firm in our foundation of faith.
When the earth shifts beneath our feet, it forces us to ask ourselves: Are we investing in things that can be shaken, or are we anchored in the unshakeable truth of God? Let these moments move us closer to regular self-reflection, openness to His guidance, and active service to a world that desperately needs hope.
This sudden, global frequency of major earthquakes has sparked intense conversations worldwide. It has caused many people—both Christians who know biblical prophecy and non-Christians who are simply looking at the state of the world—to openly wonder if these events are an explicit indication that the end is near. In times of such visible global shaking, where do we turn for perspective?
As people of faith, we don’t have to wonder in the dark. Scripture directly addresses these moments, but it also gives us a profound sense of peace and a clear directive on how we should respond.
What Scripture Says About Earthquakes
When the disciples sat on the Mount of Olives, they asked Jesus the very same question being echoed across social media today: "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). Jesus’ response gives us the perfect framework for understanding these events.
Matthew 24:5-8 NIV [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. [6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of birth pains. (emphasis mine)
Notice the phrase Jesus uses: "the beginning of birth pains." Just like labor contractions, these natural disasters are indicators that a new creation is coming, but they are not the final event itself. They are reminders that we live in a broken world that is eagerly awaiting God’s ultimate restoration.
Fear vs. Readiness: Our True Calling
It is easy to see why the current alignment of global events has so many people—regardless of their background—believing we are reaching a critical threshold. However, Scripture reminds us that tracking the calendar or panicking over timelines isn't our job. Instead, these events are a trumpet call to check our hearts, realign our priorities with God's will, and anchor our faith.
Luke 21:8-31 NIV [8] He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. [9] When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” [10] Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [11] There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. [12] “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. [13] And so you will bear testimony to me. [14] But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. [15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. [16] You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. [17] Everyone will hate you because of me. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] Stand firm, and you will win life. [20] “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. [21] Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. [22] For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. [23] How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. [24] They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. [25] “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. [26] People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. [27] At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” [29] He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. (emphasis mine)
The focus isn't on destruction; it's on the reality of God's approaching Kingdom. Rather than shaking with fear, we are called to stand firm in our foundation of faith.
When the earth shifts beneath our feet, it forces us to ask ourselves: Are we investing in things that can be shaken, or are we anchored in the unshakeable truth of God? Let these moments move us closer to regular self-reflection, openness to His guidance, and active service to a world that desperately needs hope.
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