What do we make of hurricanes, cyclones and massive rain events that lead to regional flooding, or other extreme weather? What do we make of sporadic civil disorder? They are not merely connected by the current conjunction of extreme weather, including dramatic flooding in Brazil, snowstorms and a category 5 Cyclone in Australia (Hurricane) and unrest in Egypt and the Middle East. The following is a rather profound argument from a theory of mathematics, which implies the Power of God over our lives at every level.
It is rather fashionable to deny the power of God. But what would the world look like if the weather was even a bit more chaotic. What would it look like if storms were just a bit more destructive? Why don't we have category 6 storms? Storms are just strong enough to cause damage, but not strong enough to destroy everything. Floods are huge. But they don't wipe out civilisation (though we have human history of such a flood). It seems the system of the atmosphere on earth goes to the edge of destruction, but something holds it back and even the worst storm dissipates. The scriptures proclaim God walks on the wings or edges of the wind.
He was seen upon the wings of the wind. (2Sam. 22:11) He did fly upon the wings of the wind. (Psa.18:10)
And more detail,
Who covers thyself with light as with a garment: who stretches out the heavens like a curtain: Who lays the beams of his chambers in the waters: who makes the clouds his chariot: who walks upon the wings of the wind: (Psalm 104:2-3)
And then too, even though there is civil disorder, nowhere does a whole nation descend into complete anarchy. After disturbance order of one sort or another is restored. Why is this? The scriptures declare if there is evil in a city The LORD has done it,
Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD has not done it? (Amos 3:6)
How many would accept this? Does He do evil? What would it take practically to destabilise Egypt for example? A spirit of rebellion in a few key minds, given means and opportunity. Reports already suggest that one American sponsored person may have been involved ( Debka). And a core of just a few young people under 30 who began the events in Egypt (see New York Times.
The eye of unbelief merely wonders at the powers occasionally unleashed. The eye of faith wonders at the power of God. People must fear either an unkind nature or a powerful God. Some have ideas about what is 'good' and kind, not considering the benefits of trial to character. It is often said God could not cause natural disaster, where there is every evidence that the God of the Bible has two sides: goodness and severity (Romans 11:22) and has power as a potter of the clay (Isaiah 29:6, Jeremiah 18:4-6, Romans 9:21).
People are like a storm surge, people are like water.
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (Isaiah 57:20-21)
Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. (Isaiah 17:12-13)
And a nation invading may be an overflowing flood,
Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. (Jeremiah 47:2)
Are these merely analogy? Or are both similar in their behaviour because both are controlled by God?
There is a an understanding that arose from a study of the atmosphere, as gas in a cylinder. It was observed that the application of heat to a cylinder of air resulted in peculiar non-linear behaviour which varied between ordered patterns and what seemed randomness and back to a different ordered pattern. The thinking was named 'Chaos Theory' but it is not about disorder, but about a kind of ordered complexity that arises from minor variation in a few initial conditions in a system. It has been useful to understand patterns which are formed which exhibit self-similarity through scales but are non-repeating at those different scales, or over time. It is also called 'non-linear systems analysis'. The key point is that it has been applied to model both the human world and nature, to the stock market and the weather. The second point, is that the mathematics provides a good explanation, in that it may produce modelled structure that looks similar, but it is useless as a predicting tool.
The word 'gas' in English came from the Greek word 'chaos'. In 1640 Johann Batista Helmont manufactured a gas and, pondering what to call it, thought it was like the Greek idea of chaos of a 'primary beginning' of darkness of clouds
(χάος >caos > gaos > gas) http://www.about-oia.org/index.
The atmosphere is mostly gas, and it is in constant movement. According to the models then, the whole beautiful never repeating variation of weather, within patterns and limits, may be caused by small variations in local regions. At least the usefulness of specific non-linear models of weather allow that it is possible that the weather systems may be driven easily by small interventions. The word 'driven' is correct as all dynamic systems in the physical world without driving force would tend over time to cease, due to dissipative forces.
As it is possible to describe the kind of 'drivers' or a mathematical 'shape' which might cause changes, very few ask the question as to what really drives the climate? How might a storm be made which contains so much energy that if it was harnessed it could give enough power for all the planet? Dissipative forces are always at work (entropy), so how may it be formed unless there was a greater force driving that the dissipative forces? Though a butterfly has effect, such forces are not achieved by a butterfly. Inputs of organised energy are required (ectropy).
The scriptures speak of events in the natural and political word side by side,
Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. He causes the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightnings for the rain; he brings the wind out of his treasuries. Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast. Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. (Psalm 135:6-9)
A place of 'Treasuries' is a place to put together and compress valuable items. The wind which contributes so much to atmospheric movement is driven by localised compression of air (amongst other things). As air rises it creates low pressure, then as it cools it falls and produces high pressure. This passage given by revelation implies that pressure including the intense 'lows' that form great whirlwinds are made by God 'hands on' . It may then dissipate, as would be expected of any movement in the real world.
The idea of Chaos Theory applied to the weather does not answer any questions of origins, but rather by the implications of the role of drivers raises the question of the origins of those drivers. A remote idea of the forces involved, begs the question as to what drives the system to produce truly great storms? If the weather system gains energy from a butterfly beating air to make enough energy to flatten houses, then it is unique on earth... The energy from the sun is a factor, but the question then remains as to what causes the variation in solar energy.
The mathematics of 'Chaos' simulate uncannily human actions in selling goods, price fluctuations or stock trading, and there, of course, the fundamental driver is human thinking and action. That the weather should behave in a similar manner points to an intelligence.
An intelligence who knew the greatest beauty of order and overall stability comes from variation of ever-changing patterns which go to the edges of disorder, to disorder to form a new pattern. If gas or water did not exhibit this behaviour gas might form an unfortunate uneven pattern, and boiled eggs might not cook evenly.
And dictators might never be overthrown. It is a challenge to modern human ideas to think that weather might be controlled by God 'hands-on', even though human observation shows that God might control it much more easily than could have been conceived before. It is even more of a challenge to human ideas to think God causes revolutions, and takes nations to the edge of disorder . It is stated
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and sets up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17)
And Elihu who is not condemned, and seems as if he knew said,
For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; (Job 33:14-15)
God may put a thought into a head as is implied by Gog's actions, and may harden a heart as was done to Pharoah. It is stated in Proverbs,
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it whithersoever he will.
(Proverbs 21:1)
And Daniel was told that the angels struggled with the king of Persia (Daniel 10:13)
But more that that He may affect a number of people all at once,
And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. (1Ki 22:20-22)
That spirits are to be sent forth to bring the nations to battle is well known in Revelation 16:14. The spirits sent forth do what God Almighty desires (Revelation 16:16).
It is known that revolution may be begun by a few, and the one in Egypt was begun by a core group of young radicals. It is highly unlikely they would desire the end of what they began. But to the Creator who knows all thoughts, and who has much experience beyond our comprehension, the end is known, as much as a compression to bring forth winds is known.
But one may ask why? The whole of Egypt was convulsed in the 10 plagues and the destruction of the army in the Red Sea – and Pharaoh was 'raised up' that the glory of God be shown. Even those with only rudimentary understanding of the Bible are aware of the Exodus.
Which alone spreads out the heavens, and treads upon the waves of the sea... Which does great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. Lo, he goes by me, and I see him not: he passes on also, but I perceive him not. (Job 9:8-11)
Evil may be sent to produce great deliverance of those who believe in the power,
For as you [non -Jewish] in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief [those of Israel]: For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been his counsellor? (Romans 11:30-34)
There is a selfishness in humans that leads many to forget that we were not put on earth for our pleasure, but for God's.
The huge 'whirlwind' Cyclone Yasi (hurricane) was approx. 500km across, the size of the better part of the US, or Europe. Awesome swirling clouds with a defined 'eye'. Unusually for cyclones it had enough energy to travel 700km inland. Yet though causing destruction there was only one unrelated accidental death and one missing, but there were 7 births http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/smashed-but-unbroken-20110203-1afj2.html. The stories of birth dominated.
Is there any connection to the huge cyclone Yasi ('sandalwood' or 'jasmine'), which all the world noted and the whirlwind change and end of the regime of Egypt's leader Mubarak?
A headline connects the cyclone, as winds that have a distinctive 'whirl', a whirlwind.
'Separate whirlwinds demolish two Middle East figures in one day'
Observation of the circumstances surrounding the seven-day popular uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year old presidency cannot avoid noticing the skillful choreography which brought it up to a well-judged climax Tuesday night, Feb. 2
Another connection is clearer. US secretary of State,
Mrs Clinton said at the meeting of the Middle East Quartet in the southern German city: "The region is being battered by a perfect storm of powerful trends...This is what has driven demonstrators into the streets of Tunis, Cairo, and cities throughout the region." Hillary Clinton: Middle East facing 'perfect storm'
There are some odd connections between the Cyclone and events in Egypt, worthy of pondering
Yasi was first identified on 26 January 2011, events began in Egypt on 25 January 2011, Yasi made landfall 2/3rd February and continued to the 5th. In Egypt the 4th was called 'Friday of Departure.'
The Cyclone's name 'Yasi' in Persian, the langauge of Iran, is short for 'Yasmine' or Jasmine, which is the name given to the Tunisian revolution, which was a catalyst for the Egyptian events.
The cyclone's eye crossed Mission Beach (a mission with the borders of the seas, or peoples), then damaged Tully (one meaning of many is "descendant of Taithleach [tranquil]") and El Arish (Arabic for Israel's wilderness Sukkot booths "palm huts").
El Arish was named after the place in Egypt and a notable event reported on the 5th relating to the unrest was sabotage of a gas pipline at El Arish cutting Israel, Syria and Jordan's gas supply. (JPost) such unrest is forcing Egypt to build up troops in the Sinai More Egypian troops in Sinai
Much damage was reported in Tully. In Latin Tully was the name of the 6th king of Rome, raised up from obsurity. It was the name of Cicero an orator, famously assassinated as a defender of repubicanism against dictatorship, which could parallel events in Egypt. Tully was named after a surname, likely Gaelic. There are a few meanings: from Irish Tulloch, Tulach 'small hill'. Gaelic Mac Mhaoltuile "devoted to the will of God" or the Gaelic word 'tuile' meaning 'flood' Surnameweb. Irish Tuathal 'people mighty', or 'Prince (mighty) of the people'. In Biblical langauge a hill is a nation (or a people), raised up and a flood is caused by mighty people. It seems all are moved by the will of God, hills, floods and people.
The tail end of Yasi flooded Melbourne including the offices of Australian Jewish News, closed the Shephardi Synagaogue on Shabbat and affected 2 Jewish schools JPost, at the same time Israel fears the outcome of events in Egypt.
So is there any connection between images of muddy turbulent water, rivers overflowing their banks and hill sides sliding as mud, as was seen in Grantham (meaning 'gravel of a stream') and Brisbane (meaning 'break-bone') and Brazil (named for a tree 'red- dye wood' from 'ember'), and the political turmoil in the Middle East?
The people of Tunisia then Egypt and other places as turbulent miry water of a river over-flowing its banks, yet observers wonder at the order, as if it was 'choreographed'. There is an analogy.
But ...
when we look deeper the Bible is clear in its claim that both weather and people are driven, or moved, by God to achieve his purpose with people, that they fill the earth with His Glory,
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves thereof. (Psalm 107:25)
Praise the LORD from the earth.. all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word: (Psalm 148:7-8)
For more Doing things in space
This article is in response to a question that has been posed by a reader who asks if there is any relationship between Isaiah 19 and the present situation in Egypt today. There are definitely historical applications that can be made in relation to Isaiah 19, but there also appears a very possible prophecy in regard to Egypt's ultimate role in the last days, in our days.
For the night of July 22/23, 2013 there is a supermoon (perigee full moon). So we might ask 'what of the night?'
A storm that does things never before seen by this generation: a late summer hurricane meeting an early winter storm,bringing lightning, winds, floods and snow. A storm that seems to target the most populated parts of the USA, New Jersey, New York City and the coasts, including Long Island. It targets these areas just as USA goes to significant elections, when how Israel is treated is a factor.
This article is going to perhaps test you a little. Is it 'superstitious' to believe the God of the Bible can cause lightning, and might more often than not do so, or is it ignorance to believe science has the answers?
Tornadoes 'Finger of God'
This year has brought a specific kind of disaster. A commentator linked the earthquake in Christchurch to the tsunami in Japan to the recent devastation of the tornadoes in US Alabama. In each of them the result was houses and possessions left as timber matchsticks over a wide area, cars moved like toys and many lives lost. They were also measured as economic disasters. They all affected affluent western nations and the devastation might to make each person ponder, why them.
