In the past days, the world witnessed devastation. On June 24, a double earthquake – 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude – struck Venezuela in quick succession, killing at least a thousand people, injuring more than 4,500, and leaving approximately 50,000 still missing.
Here in the Philippines, the ground has not been still. In Mindanao, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province on June 8, killing at least 37 people, injuring nearly 500, and triggering tsunami warnings across several countries. Hundreds of aftershocks have continued to jolt the region.
Meanwhile, Mayon Volcano in Albay remains at Alert Level 3, intensified unrest, with its eruption now lasting 154 days, the longest continuous eruption recorded since 1616.
Kanlaon Volcano continues at Alert Level 2, with multiple ash emissions and volcanic earthquakes recorded daily.
The earth is shaking. Nations are mourning. And many are asking: Is this the end?
Jesus spoke of such things. In Matthew 24:7-8, He said: “There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
He did not say these signs mean the end has come. He said they are the beginning. They are warnings. They are reminders that this world is not permanent. They are calls to readiness, not to panic.
First, be watchful, not fearful.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:6, “See to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” The world will always experience earthquakes, wars, and calamities.
This is the reality of living in a fallen world. But followers of Christ are not called to live in fear. We are called to live in faith.
Fear paralyzes. Faith mobilizes. When the earth shakes, Christians must not tremble in terror. We must move with compassion. We must pray. We must give. We must help.
The earthquakes in Venezuela and Mindanao are not just news headlines. They are opportunities for the body of Christ to show the love of God in tangible ways. Be watchful. Be ready. But do not be afraid. Our God is still on His throne.
Second, be ready, not complacent.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:44, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
The increasing frequency of earthquakes and volcanic activity is not a prophecy of doom. It is a reminder that life is fragile and time is short. None of us knows when our last breath will be taken.
Readiness is about building faith. It is about making sure your relationship with Jesus is secure.
It is about living each day with the awareness that you will stand before God. It is about loving your family, forgiving those who wronged you, and sharing the Gospel while there is still time.
If today were your last day, would you be ready?
The earthquakes will continue. The volcanoes will erupt. The world will groan. But for those who are in Christ, these are not signs of defeat.
They are signs of deliverance. They remind us that this world is not our home. They point us to Jesus Christ, who will one day make all things new.
Be watchful. Be ready. And let every tremor remind you to trust in the God who cannot be shaken. | NWI
