Sign of the Times?

A deadly 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island country of Japan on the afternoon of March 11, 2011.  The United States Geological Survey (USGS) increased this magnitude from 8.9 to 9.0 on the Richter Scale. Japanese authorities also updated to 9.0 as a result of an independent study apart from American findings.  Both calculations place Thursday's earthquake as the 4th largest earthquake in world history.  Simple algebra denotes rounding decimals to the next whole number. As such it doesn't take a NASA scientist to comprehend how apocalyptically powerful the cataclysmic earthquake was as it tore into Asia -- triggering a 33-foot tall tsunami, setting off nuclear reactors, moving the Japanese coastline 8 feet inland and tilting the entire Earth 10 cm (4 inches) off its axis. 

My workaholic brother pops by yesterday and starts picking my brain; explaining he's been working so much he hasn't had time to catch the news.  Yet, heard talk about an earthquake, mass destruction, and something about nuclear reactors. Yes. No matter how busy or distracted we are such phrases beckon humanity's undivided attention. We tune into CNN as us Americans do when seeking incessant, detailed coverage. Sitting gravely still in the recliner my awestruck brother slowly leaned back as if attempting to back away from the destruction.  I glanced over at him empathetically as I recounted my initial reaction. What popular phrase confirms a sudden realization of the inconceivable?  

He uttered, "Oh, my God."  I nodded.  Reality had set in... 
Later in conversation he added, "The earthquake shook Mother Earth off her axis 10 cm...you know that's the same diameter a woman dilates before giving birth?"  We looked at each other in silence and pondered for a moment, then changed the subject. There was nothing more to be said as the epiphany spoke for itself.  Seemingly, God will interject Himself into the conversation by way of prophecies and omens.  Hence the expression, "thee voice out of nowhere." 

    

Is the Japanese Earthquake a Sign of the Times?  

According to Christian theology, The Holy Bible prophecies natural disasters including but not limited to disease, famine, wars -- and notably the frequency between thereof -- as signs of the times.  Specifically, signs of Armageddon - Return of Christ. 

Isaiah 13:13 (NIV)

"Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger."

Matt. 24:8 (NIV)

"All these are the beginning of birth pains."

Even atheists can attest to the facts - peculiar events and brazen acts of madness are occurring more rapidly.  From 5,000 blackbirds falling dead from the Arkansas sky on New Years Eve to more than 100,000 drum fish reported dead the same day.  From the despicable treatment of  Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans to increasing acts of violence against children. From anarchy in Egypt to civil war in Libya.  In this very moment, in this act alone I am all too aware of the implications. Is mankind not weary and seeking divinity once and for all?  As I quench my thirst for knowledge and eagerness to share it there are thousands of others typing away, talking, whispering even, looking for signs and listening.  Here in the 21st century Information Era all manner of esoteric knowledge is sought after more than ever before.  

Daniel 24: 1-4 (NIV)
1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."