Natural Disasters

Just a few hours since my last post, I got an email about an undersea volcano eruption. If we want to gauge how close we are to a "ketz-type" final Geulah, we should analyze several factors:
- World leaders and their actions/words
- "Natural" disasters
- Major economic problems

Among many other signs, these stand out, as they are constantly happening. Anyone can plainly see that the world entities are headed towards a major confrontation - whether that be Iran, North Korea, China, Russia or anyone else.

The natural disasters have been getting progressively worse in the last few years. The asteroids I wrote about earlier, should make us wonder if we have reached a new plateau. Today's undersea volcano speaks of the power of Hashem in the hidden realm, under the ocean. Together with the asteroid, Hashem is letting it be known His supreme rulership over all aspects of creation. With the sun aligning for Birkat HaChama on Erev Pesach, we can be left to wonder what else to expect.....

The economic problems gripping every country is a clear sign that the redemption is nearing the final stage. We've mentioned previously, that our false belief in money as a form of solace and protection will be shattered prior to Mashiach's arrival. In addition, the Rabbis tell us of Mashiach not coming "..ad she'tich'le peruta min hakis" - until the [final] penny is gone from our pocket/wallet. This may have happened in a figurative sense already, with our almost complete reliance on credit cards and other forms of "virtual" money.

While the fact that the redemption is under way is reassuring, we must do what we can to prevent it from coming under the harsh conditions mentioned in Tanach. This requires us to get more involved in prayer, learning and chesed. Especially in these tough economic times, Hashem is giving us all a final chance to do permanent Mitzvot with our transient money (whatever's left of it).

I feel responsible to remind everyone that while the date of the "ketz" is set, Mashiach can come at any time. That is something we must firmly believe, even if dates and predictions for the Ketz or Mashiach are being spread like wildfire. While we know Mashiach should arrive on Pesach, he can still come today. Let's not forget that. And while we're at it, let's pray for his safe and peaceful arrival!