the year 2011 comes to a close, it is hard to be unaffected by the
massive earthquakes that occurred these past years. Remember, it was
just 2004 when the great South Asian Tsunami roared along the Indian
ocean, suddenly rising and striking the coastlines of nine nations.
Over 230,000 people died, and millions more were left grieving and
homeless. Scientists tell us that this great disaster not only
changed the landscape of Asia, it actually caused the planet to
wobble on its axis.
But
the physical shaking was not over. Nine and a half months later, in
October, another devastating quake struck, this time in the Kashmir
region of Pakistan. It killed nearly 80,000 people. Millions again
were left without homes or shelter. Then, along with quakes in Chile
and New Zealand, the horrific Haitian earthquake struck and another
quarter million lives were lost. Lastly, a huge magnitude 9 quake and
subsequent tsunami struck the northeast coast of Japan, raising the
specter of a nuclear meltdown and the widespread poisoning caused by
radioactive contamination.
There
is something happening in the earth. Massive earthquakes. Huge death
tolls. Unprecedented storms. It may all be a coincidence, but I
cannot help but call to mind the Lord’s word, “Yet once more I
will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven” (Heb.
12:26). There is certainly a great shaking occurring in the nations.
Remember,
Jesus warned that “great earthquakes” would be part of a
variety of natural calamities, which He called “birth pangs,”
that would introduce the End Times (Luke 21:11; Matt. 24:8; Mark
13:8). In other words, He told us to expect natural disasters to
increase both in magnitude and frequency, as though the earth itself
was recoiling against the weight of sin. As Isaiah said, “The
earth is shaken violently. … It totters like a shack, for its
transgression is heavy upon it” (Is. 24:19-20).
If we are,
indeed, living in the last decades of this present age, we should not
expect the planet to remain calm or tranquil. God will use these
calamities to draw multitudes to Himself, but we should be aware they
will probably grow in severity.
Spiritual
Shaking
As
disasters increase so also will fear increase, but it should not be
so with us. For it is also during this time that the Lord promised
that the ruling powers of darkness will be shaken from their position
of influence and rule. The Lord will “shake not only the earth,
but also the heaven” (Heb. 12:26). This verse is not referring
to the highest of heavens where God dwells. The heaven mentioned here
refer to the spiritual realm, also known as the “heavenly
places” elsewhere in the Bible (Eph. 3:10). These “heavenly
places” represent the spiritual dimension from which “the
powers … the world forces of this darkness … the spiritual forces
of wickedness” exert their rule over nations (Eph. 6:12).
Thus, the
Lord says in Isaiah “It will happen in that day, that the Lord
will punish the host of heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on
earth” (Is. 24:21). The last great shaking will affect both the
natural and spiritual realms. Likewise, Jesus warned that during the
time of the end “the powers of the heavens will be shaken”
(Matt 24:29). Remember, the shaking of these powers denotes the
“removing” of their place of influence and rule (Heb.
12:27). In other words, every demonic stronghold that hinders the
coming forth of the kingdom of God on earth is ultimately going to be
confronted by the power and authority of heaven!
One may
argue, “These verses refer to the end of the age.” Yes, the
finality of this twofold shaking—things on earth, but also
heaven—won’t reach its maximum power until just before the Lord
returns during the tribulation period.
However, I
believe it has already begun on a certain level. Consider the former
Soviet Union. Here was the largest geographic empire in the history
of the world; its military was powerful beyond measure. The USSR was
avowed atheistic in nature, and it spread atheism to all nations
under its influence. Yet, in an amazing and unfathomably
sophisticated exercise of the divine will, the Almighty judged the
spiritual powers ruling Soviet Communism. The USSR fell without a
violent revolution, without an insurrection or war, suddenly and
dramatically it disintegrated.
Not only
did this great empire implode, it was on Dec. 25, 1991, that Mikhail
Gorbachev resigned as president of the Soviet Union, effectively
ending the Soviet Communist Party. The next day the Soviet parliament
acknowledged the dissolution of the empire.
What a
great and enduring sign! On
Christmas day, the very day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,
the demonic power ruling the USSR was shaken and toppled from its
place!
Will the
Lord’s final confrontation against the spiritual powers of wickedness
be much more significant? Since the fall of communism, missiologists
tell us that more people have come to Christ worldwide than the sum
of all conversions since the first century. Of course, Russia still
has its problems, but let us not overlook what has happened: a
godless, evil power fell from its place of rule. Since then millions
of people have come into God’s kingdom! (Anyone feel like shouting
here?)
Even while
the physical world will suffer birth pangs, I believe we are going to
see other major “powers in the heavens” come down just as
dramatically as the former Soviet Union. I know it is possible that
Islamic factions will merge and become stronger, but remember, there
are currently millions of Christians praying for these Muslim
nations. Somehow, whether sooner or later, the power holding sway
over Muslims is going to unravel. There will be unexpected, but
significant breakthroughs. Muslims by the millions will open to the
gospel and find Christ as their Savior. This is the prayer frontier
God set before us right now.
We will
also see major demonic powers fall in the USA. I believe it will not
be long before serious restrictions will begin to curtail abortion in
the USA. The demonic power that has blinded lawmakers and justices
will be confronted and toppled. Let us, therefore, continue to pray
for Supreme Court Justices to be appointed who are both pro-life and
God-fearing.
It seems to
me that we are living when, at least on some level, the “powers
of the heavens” are being shaken. Our prayers and personal
involvement in the affairs of life play a major role in toppling
these powers of darkness. If we do not quit praying, we will see
significant changes unfold before our eyes.
Finally,
let us remember that, even while things on earth and in heaven are
wobbling, we have received “a kingdom which cannot be shaken.”
(Heb. 12:28). Beloved, God has an unshakable kingdom to which He
calls us. It is the place where Jesus rules as King, from which place
every knee in heaven and on earth shall bow.
About the author:·Francis
Frangipane is the founder of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, and has traveled throughout the world ministering to thousands of
pastors and intercessors from many backgrounds. In June 2009, he retired
from his position as senior pastor of River of Life Ministries and is
devoting himself to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word. To read more teachings by Francis or to learn more
about his ministry, go to www.frangipane.org.
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