People went about their daily routine unaware that an earthquake or Tsunami was about to strike. Mothers walked their children to school, fathers kissed their wives and children goodbye as they left for work, unaware that this was their last and that their worst nightmare was about to begin. Everything seemed normal. There was no indication or warning that the capital of Lisbon was about to be swallowed up into history.
Was it predicted?It was predicted that there would be signs in the sun, moon, and stars and that the powers in heaven would be shaken. The sun would be black as sackcloth of hair, the moon as blood, and the stars will fall from heaven, indicating that the God of creation will soon appear for the second time. These prophecies were fulfilled before the nineteenth century. Then, in 1755 the most horrific earthquake ever recorded by mortal man took place, commonly known as the Lisbon earth.
It quaked mightily.
The earthquake extended to the greater part of Europe, Africa, and America. It was also felt in Greenland, The West Indies, Madeira, Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, and Ireland. It pervaded no less than four million square miles. The shock was almost as severe in Africa as it was in Europe. Algiers was almost destroyed. A village near Morocco, with approximately 10,000 people, was engulfed as a result of this earthquake. A large wave swept over Spain and Africa swallowing up cities and causing destruction to a great magnitude.
Most Affected.
Spain and Portugal were most affected by the extreme violence of the earthquake. The wave in Cadiz was sixty feet high, and the highest mountains in Portugal were shaken from their foundations some even opening up their summits. As these mountains split, large masses were thrown down into nearby valleys engulfing them in flames.
Sound of Thunder Underground!The sound of thunder was heard underground in Lisbon. Then, a violent shock threw down the greater part of the city. One minute later, 60,000 people lost their lives.
Sea PretendedThe sea reseeded into its boundary, then rolled in again, rising more than 50 feet! Unfortunately, a large number of people took shelter on a newly built marble quay, believing that they were beyond the reach of fallen ruins, but then suddenly, the quay sank and everyone perished. Not one dead body resurfaced.
It happened on a Holy day.
The earthquake came on a holy day. The churches and convents were filled with worshipers, hardly any one escaped as these large buildings and houses fell. Two hours later, fire broke out in a rage of violence that the city was completely desolated. The terror was indescribable. The people were terrified beyond tears. They ran in every direction, delirious with horror and astonishment! They beat their faces and breasts as they cried; ‘The world’s at an end!’How could Mothers forget?Mothers forgot their children while they ran with their crucifix images. Many ran to the churches for protection, but in vain! Images, priests, and people were all buried in the ruins of the city. It was estimated that, on the day, 90,000 people lost their lives.
The Dark Day.
In 1780, an unexplained phenomenon occurred. The whole visible heavens and atmosphere in New England was darkened. The Sun rose clear but soon it was overcast. Lighting flashed, thunder rolled, and a little rain fell. Then, a heavy black cloud spread over the entire sky only a few minutes later. Peoples’ minds were filled with awe, fear and anxiety. The day became so dark that people started returning from work. Candles were lit, fowls retired to their roosts, cattle gathered at the pasture bars, frogs croaked, birds sang their evenings songs, and bats flew about. However, people knew that night had not come! Ministers of the gospel knew that the darkness was supernatural and was a Scriptural based prophecy. The darkness was so dense that people could not tell the hour by watch or clock, to do so, they had to light a candle.
Warning!As people, we are commissioned to watch for the signs of Christ’s Second Advent and we are to rejoice as we see Bible prophecies being fulfilled. This indicates that Christ is about to burst the clouds of heaven. Christ points his followers to the budding trees of spring because when the trees starts to bud the world knows that summer is near. Likewise, when you see Bible prophecies come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is soon to come!Parting Cry!Wake up! Don’t delay, because the sky is about to unleash its mysteries.
Disobedience Caused Earth’s Doom
Long ago the earth was the most beautiful thing you ever did see. In fact, one of its most beautiful gardens was taken up to heaven when sin invaded the earth. Initially, the earth was void with no form. There was only water and darkness. However, there was a great man who, with two others, planned to make the earth a beautiful place in which to live. They planned to make a world free of pain, sorrows and death.
Slapped in the Face!
It was thrown in the streets, the highways and byways. Yes, the silver, the gold, the diamonds, the dollars, the pound notes and other currencies. No! No! Too late! Too late! We cannot use it now! Pestilence, disasters, disease, plagues, heat, cold, floods fire, and earthquake are all around us. Angels, horses, chariots and a king are all visible in the sky. The noisy trumpets are sounding loudly, what use is money to us now?
Plagues, Plagues and Plagues Everywhere
He ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, His wrath is kindled against those who worshiped the beast, his image, and had his mark. Plagues are poured out on the people, some had sores all over their body, while others had no water to drink or to bathe in because the sea turned into thick blood and the rivers and fountains flowed with blood. The sun plagued the people with its scourging heat of fire, and darkness filled the beast’s kingdom.
