The war in Iraq, dubbed 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' has coined the phrase 'SHOCK AND AWE' to describe a certain style of military operation. This phrase connotates the tremendous, overwhelming use of force to produce shock, awe and fear in the minds of those being attacked. It is expected that the psychological effect will result in the surrender of military personnel and equipment. The fire-power of the modern military is awesome. Unmanned, programmable missiles, laser-guided bombs, and mobile rocket launchers enable massive destruction of target areas with pinpoint accuracy. Troops and pilots equipped with infra-red goggles can operate after dark. Satellite surveillance enables control centers hundreds of miles from the battle front to actually see the scene of battle and direct the operations. It is no wonder that the prospect of facing such an offensive can generate feelings of shock and awe.
When working at the California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) during WWII as a rocket scientist, I worked alongside an engineer who was present at an atomic bomb test on Bikini atoll, July 1946. I still remember his description of that event which he observed from 20 miles away. For the observers it was a shocking and awesome experience.
The children of Israel, fresh from being released from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, had a similar experience at Mount Sinai. Here they witnessed an awesome outpouring of supernatural power and majesty. Thunder, lightning, and an earthquake caused them to tremble with fear for their lives. They stood a long way off and said to Moses, "If you speak to us, we will listen. But don't let God speak to us, or we die" (Ex. 20:19-20). Subsequently, as a result of shock and awe, they expressed complete subjugation and capitulation to God's will by agreeing to do all that the Lord had said.
One day the whole world will look up and see the Lord coming in the clouds of heaven with great glory. There will be a mighty trumpet blast, the graves will open, and the dead will come forth, some to everlasting life and some to everlasting damnation. Regardless of their fate, the great multitude who observes this scene will be filled with feelings of shock and awe.
