DISASTER – NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FOR 9/16/20
Only ten years ago, the worst natural disaster in modern days occurred in Haiti when an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude killed an estimated 230,000 people. This number has been disputed by various groups for various reasons, but the disaster was real for a large number of people. In addition to the large number of deaths, loss of property and loss of income and employment added to the disaster.
“Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that when the Pharaoh of Egypt refused to allow the people of Israel to leave Egypt, God sent a total of ten disasters to convince Pharaoh to let them go. The water in the Nile River was turned into blood, along with all other water resources in the land. Frogs, gnats, and flies swarmed all Egyptians and animals, disease killed Egyptian livestock, sores covered Egyptians and animals, hail and thunder and rain knocked down crops, locusts devoured vegetation, darkness covered the land, and the first-born Egyptian males and animals were killed.
The Pharaoh refused to allow the people of Israel to leave because he was using them as human slaves, but he was finally convinced to allow them to leave. The people of Israel benefited from these disasters, but they also learned that they could very well experience similar types of disasters if they failed to live by the Law of Moses given to them by God.
The Bible also speaks of the most terrible of all disasters that will occur at some point in the future, when the forces of evil will go into battle against the forces of good. The devil and his demons will wage war against the God and His angels. Revelation tells us that this battle will take place in a place Armageddon. The Son of God will come from heaven on a white horse to judge and make war, and He will be followed by the armies of heaven. He is described as having eyes as a flame of fire, wearing many crowns on His head, and wearing clothing that was dipped in blood. On His clothing and on His thigh were written the words, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords”.
As a result of this battle, the beast and the false prophet who deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and worshipped his image, were taken and cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Likewise, all who allowed themselves to be deceived by Satan will also suffer disaster. The good news is that such disaster can be avoided by inviting the Son of God into their lives and making Him the Savior of their lives.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.
