Posted June 18, 2004
Currently being shown in theatres across the United States and in many other parts of the world is a movie titled The Day After Tomorrow. Directed and co-produced by Roland Emmerich, this film depicts in graphic detail and drama the quest for survival amidst the adverse effects of a cataclysmic climatic change.
In the story, as a result of man's disregard for his environment, the Arctic polar icecap melts (and to some extent, also Antarctica), which in turn affects the ocean currents. This in turn creates multiple tornadoes in California, massive flooding in New York and other unusual weather disturbances in other parts of the world. This initial warming is followed by sudden and severe cooling of the earth's northern hemisphere, resulting in catastrophic death and destruction.
Of course, some have commented on the lack of scientific credibility for the supposed sudden cause-and-effect relationship leading to the chain of events depicted in the movie. But to many moviegoers it is just another form of semi-real entertainment.
Lest we develop an attitude of skepticism, or come to believe erroneous ideas about the future or perhaps adopt an "I don't care" attitude, it is important that we sincerely look into the true facts concerning the future (and our future) on these very important issues.
But how can we know? Is there a way to be sure about what will actually and eventually happen? Where can we find the answers to these questions? And more importantly, if or when it happens, is there a way to escape such cataclysmic and horrible things?
First of all, let us recognize the existence of the universal law of cause and effect. This simply means that when events happen, there is a cause that creates the effect—the event. This is demonstrable and observable. This law has always had, and will continue to have, a significant impact and effect on our future and that of our planet earth.
Secondly, there is that unseen Creator of all called God. He established all laws and set them in motion to automatically function as they have been designed. Breaking His laws will break us. Evil deeds will reap evil results. Punishment awaits the disobedient. Regardless of whether we believe in Him or not, the laws He set in motion nonetheless affect us (so perhaps it's time we personally proved His existence once and for all!).
Thirdly, though generally disbelieved because of its invisible and deceptively crafty nature, there is also an unseen evil power presently in control of earth—including our atmosphere (compare Ephesians 2:2; Job 1:12, 18-19). The very fact that most do not even believe that such evil power and forces exist simply demonstrates Satan's and the demons' great success in that deception! Here, too, it's time we stop assuming or ignoring the facts.
Beyond the depiction in the movie, the interplay of these factors and forces at the close of this age (referred to in biblical language as "the great tribulation" or the final three-and-a-half years), will produce unbelievably horrifying events on a scale never seen before!
Rather than hail the size of grapefruit as shown in the movie, RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 16:21 foretells that the world will see hail crashing down that will weigh about 30 to 80 kilograms (66-176 lbs.) – which is the weight of a biblical "talent" according to scholars. Can you imagine the destructive effects of such objects falling from the sky?
Rather than bitter cold, biblical prophecy shows that humanity will, in addition, suffer famine, possibly caused by drought (Matthew 24:7), and intense heat from the sun (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 16:8-9). Will this not obviously generate fires and great firestorms in a manner never been witnessed by humanity? (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 8:7).
Rather than a tidal wave as in the movie, which preserved the basic structure of buildings in New York, prophecy instead foretells an earthquake so great that mountains will be leveled and islands will disappear (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 16:18-20). How will people survive this?
Many more unimaginable cataclysmic and terrifying events will occur universally–not just to the northern hemisphere. Unlike in the movie, there may be no place to hide—unless God protects us. But as a loving, almighty Father, He can do anything in heaven and on earth to supernaturally protect His obedient and humble chosen ones.
This should lead us to ask some sobering questions: Where will you be when those events unfold? How can you and your loved ones survive? What can you do now to avoid and prepare for those calamitous events?
