Earthquake

Lessons From the Quake

Today I felt my first ever earthquake.  As I reflect on that experience, I see the similarity in the reactions to experiencing an earthquake and that of learning about one's need of salvation.  First of all, it was very interesting to note peoples' reactions.  There were those who were oblivious to what was going on.  Then there were those who were concerned and wondering what was happening.  There were those who said, "It is nothing, just the quarry blasting."  And then there were those who were emphatic that it was an earthquake.

This reminds me of the similar responses from people when they are confronted with their need of salvation.  There are those who are oblivious to their need even after they have heard about their need.  Then  you have those who are searching and curious, but not ready to commit to anything.  You also have those who hear the "Good News" and discount it.  Finally, there are those who see their need of salvation, accept the gift, and then declare that free gift of salvation to others.  

 

 

I also took note of the response of co-workers to the individual who pronounced the earthquake as quarry blasting.  The co-workers who readily accepted this explanation did not do anything to verify the accuracy of the statement.  They believed the declaration based on the perceived authority of the individual who was speaking.  

This reminds me that we should always be certain to know who we are listening to and test what they say against the Scriptures.  Just because someone claims to have the answer does not guarantee that their answer is correct.  I believe this is why the Bible says that in the multitude of counselors there is safety.  (Proverbs 11:14)

I also reflected on the response of co-workers who were emphatically told that we were experiencing an earthquake.  I can't help but see how their responses parallel those responses that a Christian might receive when witnessing.  There were those who automatically discounted the individual's declaration that it was an earthquake.  The manner in which the person was discounted ranged from simply ignoring the person who told them, to mocking the person, even to belittling the person.  

How often does that happen when you tell someone about what God has done for you?  Do not be discouraged, keep proclaiming the truth because when you share the Gospel story, you have a message more important than "It's an earthquake".  Your message holds the difference between spending eternity in heaven with God or being separated from God forever in hell.  

Finally there were those co-workers who heard the proclamation that there was an earthquake and believed the news.  Some believed it immediately either because they were undoubtedly convinced or because of the experiences that they had already gone through.  However, for others it took a little time to sink in and for them to believe, but ultimately they did believe the news.

  

Is that not how it works when one comes to salvation.  Some hear for the first time and believe right away.  Some have heard it before and this time when the seed is planted they respond.  Others hear it, go away, and then believe.  However long it takes for a person to come to salvation the important point is that they accepted the gift of eternal life. 

What can you and I take away from these lessons from an earthquake?  First of all, keep proclaiming the Gospel.  We should not be afraid of the response that we get.  After all, we have the most important news that there is.  We have news that will effect a person's eternity.  Share that news boldy.

We may never know the result of our speaking the Gospel. One may instantly believe, while others may take time to believe. Still others may never believe. The only thing that is certain is that if we do not share the Gospel that we will not be used to plant a seed. So share the Gospel boldly!

What other lessons can be learned by experiencing an earthquake?  If you have any thoughts or idea, please feel free to share them!