One Purpose of Earthquakes

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The Lord controls rulers,

just as he determines

the course of rivers.

 

We may think we are doing

the right thing,

but the Lord always knows

what is in our hearts.

 

Doing what is right and fair

pleases the Lord

more than an offering.

 

Evil people are proud

and arrogant,

but sin is the only crop

they produce.

 

If you plan and work hard,

you will have plenty;

if you hurry to get rich,

you will end up poor.

Proverbs 21:1-5

If you remember Proverbs 21:1 when you watch the news on television it makes the experience far less traumatic. God controls rulers just like He determines the course of rivers. And God can change the course of a river with one strategically placed earthquake.

I have a friend who has lived in both southern California and in west Africa. He told me that the earthquakes in California were more unsettling than the jungle animals in Africa. Everyone is at the mercy of an earthquake. Even the President of the United States would not be safe deep in his underground bunker if a large earthquake happened while he was hiding there.

The difference between a good ruler and an evil one is that the good ruler is willingly controlled by God and the evil ruler is forced by the Almighty to do His will! That one statement raises dozens of questions that I don't suppose will be answered until we stand before the Throne of God in Heaven. The bottom line is that the heart of a ruler is like the course of a river and it can be changed by an earthquake!

According to these verses the way to determine if a man is "evil" is to see if he is proud and arrogant. Pride and arrogance are fruits of an evil tree. Sin itself hangs on the branches of that tree.

But the man who plans and works hard has plenty. Hard work is God's gift to fallen man. Through hard work we are able to sustain ourselves and even prosper enough to help others who are suffering. Somewhere in the Bible we are told, "If a man won't work, don't let him eat!" After a long hard day of honest work you always feel good. After a long lazy day of arrogance and pride you may find it hard to sleep!

"Lord Jesus, help me to trust the rulers of this world to Your care. I cannot direct their steps, but You can and You will according to what You know is best. Today Lord, give me work to which I may set my hand and so at the end of this day I may sleep peacefully knowing I have pleased You. And may You be praised forever. Amen."