Calamities and crisis have a way of shaking your core. During such instance your inner being is exposed: Faith or Fear?
“The main building on the campus of [the] Philippine Christian College in Cabanatuan City, was built in 1964 with three stories (sic). The foundation the builders laid was sufficient for a building of that size. But a few years later the school added three additional stories (sic) without making any changes to the foundation. In 1990, a 7.8 earthquake hit the region, killing 1,600 people. . . . The only building to collapse was the six-story (sic) school building, and over 100 students and staff members died.”1
“. . . August 8, 1993, an 8.1 earthquake shook the island of Guam. . . The quake damaged structures and lifelines throughout the island. However, not a single building collapsed, and injuries were generally minor. Why was there such minimal damage? Because nearly all the buildings in Guam were built with a solid foundation . . . governed by the Uniform Building Code, the same standard used in most seismically active regions of North America.”2
On what foundation do you stand? What do you hold fast to?
Repeatedly, to the 7 churches, the same warning was spoken, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.3
God Our Father communicates with his children. He reveals his heart to them. Amidst the chaos and shaking God cuts to the chase and chooses the most important lesson. To Simon Peter he pointedly asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.”4 This truth, the source of life (Ruakh5), the Word is your foundation.
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, . . .6
Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts . . .7 And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth.8
Notes:
1. Paul Barker, Faith To Live By—A Practical Guide To the Life of Faith, p7
2. Ibid., p10
3. Revelation 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22
4. Matthew 16:13-19
5. The Hebrew ruakh means wind, breath, or spirit. The word Ruakh first appeared in Genesis 1:2 [ESV], And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
6. Revelation 1:3
7. Psalm 95:7b-8
8. Proverbs 5:7
