Preparing for The Big One

By Ron Genebago
I really appreciate the governments attempt to equip people to be ready for the Big
One. Seismologists have been telling Filipinos that its been 355 years since the West
Valley fault moved. Considering that the fault generates a major earthquake every 400 years
or so, the next one may be in our lifetime. The social and mainstream media are a big help
in warning everyone to be prepared for the biggest earthquake yet to come. The warnings,
however, raise the fear of the unknown. The Big One brings worries and uncertainties to
many Filipinos, especially those living in Metro Manila.
The earthquake drill last July 30, 2015, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority, depicted worst-case scenarios and how we should respond to the
Big One. This laudable effort was meant to reduce to some extent the projected thousands
of casualties.
But while we are busy preparing and getting ready for the Big One, have we paused
for awhile and ask ourselves, Are we also spiritually ready to meet the Big One of Mary?
Luke 10:38-42 tell the story.
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a
certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister
called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But Martha was
distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, Lord, do You not
care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me. And
Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled
about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part,
which will not be taken away from her.
I had the privilege of reading this story right where it happenedin Bethanwhen
I visited Israel last July 2015. The story tells us of Jesus visit to His friends Mary and
Martha. As soon as Jesus entered the village, Martha welcomed Him. After that she went to
the kitchen to prepare food for Him.
Mary, on the other hand, sat down at Jesus feet and listened to His teaching. When
Martha noticed it, she told Jesus her concern of preparing and serving alone. Jesus told
Martha not to be anxious about many things.
Jesus corrected Marthas many things because they (1) distracted her, (2) worried
her, and (3) troubled her. Indeed, how troubled, worried, and distracted our lives would be
without the One thing Mary had chosen.
While Jesus corrected Marthas many things, Jesus commended Marys one
thing because (1) it is needed, (2) it is the best dish on the table, and (3) it will never be
taken away from her.
In essence, Jesus is saying, Martha, Martha, sitting at My feet and listening to My
life-giving words is a need crucial for survival. Man shall not live by bread alone but by
every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Having a life-saving relationship with
Me matters more than the many things of this life.
Charles Stanley in Life Principles Bible said, The more we get to know and love
Jesus, the more effective our service will be. The closer we draw to God, the more impact

our lives will have. The more energetically we nurture our relationship with the Lord, the
greater the positive mark we will leave behind.1
We will never become effective workers if we add more activities and appointments
to schedules and neglect the one thing that will bring us closer to God.
This quotation from Ellen G. White sums up this article, Those who will put on the
whole armor of God and devote some time every day in meditation and prayer and to the
study of the Scriptures will be connected with heaven and will have a saving, transforming
influence upon those around them.2
We dont know what will exactly happen when the Big One would strike. Indeed,
physical preparation will help. Having the Big One of Mary (a living connection with the
Big OneJesus), however, will prepare us not only for this calamity but for any calamity
that may befall us. It will especially help us prepare for His soon coming.
May we have the Big OneJesusbefore the Big Oneearthquakecomes. May
we never forget Him because of the many things of life.

References
Charles F. Stanley, Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc.,
2005), 4.
2
Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (Columbia: Pacific Press, 1882), 112.