February 16, 2025— In the United States, we witnessed wildfires in LA (Los Angeles, California), two small earthquakes off the coast of Maine, and snow in Florida. While not statistically impossible, the occurrences of these events are rather rare. Many wonder if these weather occurrences are simply an anomaly caused by global climatic change. Others consider if these are signs of God’s judgment. Here, I put down my two cents to offer a biblical view.
Earthquakes in the Bible
When Jesus died, His body was placed in a tomb, and a large stone was placed at the tomb's opening. Three days later, Jesus was resurrected from death, but the stone had to be removed. Matthew 28:2 states an angel rolled away the stone which caused a “great earthquake.”
In the Old Testament, the Lord speaks to the prophet Isaiah concerning the judgment of Israel:
You will be punished by the Lord of hosts With thunder and earthquake and great noise, With storm and tempest And the flame of devouring fire.
-Isaiah 29:12
During the time of the Assyrian siege, we read about the occurrence of an earthquake in Amos 1:1:
“The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.”
From Matthew 28:2, Isaiah 29:12, and Amos 1:1, it is clear that earthquakes have been used during times of God’s judgment. While earthquakes are natural events, I believe these are signs of God’s correction.
Wildfires in LA vs Wildfires in the Bible
The Holy Bible states, “For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29). God stirs things up when people do not obey His voice, especially for those who are called to serve Him. If the prophets in the past did not escape from God’s correction, neither will we. While God is a “consuming fire,” does this indicate wildfires are a sign of God?
The term “wildfire” does not appear in the KJV or NKJV. In Ezekiel 20:45-49, we see the Lord telling Ezekiel to face the forest to the South and say to it, “Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree and every dry tree in you; the blazing flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be scorched by it.” (verse 47). Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian Capture/Exile. This passage appears to be a forest fire, but was it fulfilled?
Many believe Ezekiel 20:45-49 was fulfilled when the Babylonian army invaded and took Jerusalem and Judah. To those who believe this was fulfilled, the fire represented the all-consuming nature of the invading army.
In another example, the Lord tells Jeremiah concerning the King of Judah:
But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings,” says the Lord;“I will kindle a fire in its forest,And it shall devour all things around it.” ’ ”
-Jeremiah 21:14
When the Babylonian army destroyed Jerusalem, this prophecy was fulfilled.
Similar to the passages on earthquakes, we see examples of wildfires and fires used in God’s judgment against a people or a ruler. I believe the wildfires in LA are a sign of God’s judgment on the city and the nation.
What Does the Bible Say About Fire as Judgement?
Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by brimstone and fire (Genesis 19:24). It is important to note that judgment for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah had already occurred, and it was too late for them to turn back from their sins.
If you are new to Christianity, you may wonder what sin is. Immoral behaviors and attitudes that go against God’s moral code is sin. While it was too late for Sodom and Gomorrah to repent from sinful behavior, it is not too late for you. To be in God’s favor, repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your savior.
Accepting Jesus
If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so now. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came in the flesh. Being innocent, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of your sin. Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected in the flesh. Walking in the resurrected body for 40 days, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, I invite you to do so now. All it takes is saying this prayer aloud:
God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen!
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