Can any of you believe that 2009 is already over half gone? -- It is so hard to fathom how rapidly the end-time prophecies of scripture are unfolding. In just these past six months we've seen a rapid acceleration of God's agenda.
For starters, its amazing to watch the international movement towards globalization. What many don't realize is that with the world charging down this path, it will only make it easier for the coming Anti-Christ to seize control.
Also, we are watching the world's moral values declining at an unprecedented pace, record levels of violent crime, Israel's increasing isolation, and the continuing world-wide economic meltdown, which will ultimately increase violence, civil unrest and general global chaos.
I know I talk, teach and write about this stuff constantly -- but its still amazing to observe, even for a 'seasoned veteran' like me. -- And hang on 'cause its only going to increase in intensity.
Matthew 24:8 describes it as "...the beginning of birth pains." Also, as Matthew 25:13 clearly states, we will not know the hour or the day but Matthew 24:33 does declare that we will know the season. -- "Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door."
Back in May, in my commentary, "Signs of the Times", I commented on the end-time events portrayed in Revelation, chapter six -- the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse -- famine, war, pestilence and death. -- Today, in this writing, I want to focus on two of these -- famine and pestilence.
While there is much going on right now in these two areas of prophecy, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if no one knew because we are not seeing it on our traditional news outlets. -- Guess we're too busy with Michael Jackson and Sarah Palin's kids.
To start, let's look at Revelation 6:8 - the fourth horseman. It states, "I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth."
Also, Luke 21:11 says, "There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places..."
First, Famine -- Webster's definition states:
1) An acute general shortage of food
2) Any acute shortage
Here's some highlights-
• "UN Warns of Catastrophe As Hungry People Top One Billion" - In a June 12, 2009 Reuters article, it stated "High food prices have pushed another 105 million people into hunger in the first half of 2009. -- The head of the UN World Food Program said that this raised the total number of hungry people to over one billion." The article went on to say the world faced a "human catastrophe" as more and more people struggle to get a decent meal. - It concluded by saying that, "This year we are closing in on average four million new hungry people a week, urgently hungry!"
• "G8 Food Summit Set Out to Fight Famine" -- In an April 18, 2009 article, The Independent stated, "It is a crisis of almost biblical proportions. With almost one billion people living with permanent hunger, ministers from the world's largest producers and consumers of food met in Italy to try to avert a permanent food crisis of an unprecedented scale."
The secular article closed by saying, "Indeed, it may not be too dramatic to say that they will be trying to defeat no less a set of enemies than the four horsemen of the modern apocalypse."
• Oxfam, a UN advocacy group, commented in an MSNBC article on July 6th, "Chronic Human Hunger May Be the Defining Human Tragedy of This Century".
Also, these headlines:
• Tibet - "Drought Now Worst in Memory"
• Syria - "160 Villages Abandoned Due to Famine"
• S. Asia - "Hunger at 40 Year High"
• India - "Drought Threatens Entire North"
• Canada - "Crop Outlook Bleak as Drought Ravages Prairies"
Also on the 'famine' front, in an article from AG Weekly dated April 1, 2009, it stated , "A virulent strain of wheat stem rust, UG99, that has now spread into Iran and threatens other wheat producing regions of Asia and eventually the entire world."
Then, in another article from twincities.com dated June 21, 2009, it summarized by stating, "Crop scientists fear the UG99 fungus could wipe out more than 80% of worldwide wheat crops." It closed by saying, "It's a time bomb."
Continuing on with this "positive" information, in an article posted on IrishCentral.com, the headline read, "Irish famine blight fungus hits Rode Island crops." This purportedly is the same virus that caused the potato blight in Ireland in the 1840's that decimated the population. -- Then on July 11, Yahoo.com News reported that this same blight is killing potato and tomato plants in home gardens from Maine to Ohio and threatening commercial and organic farms.
But I've got to close the famine portion with this one. - The New York Times reported just this week that drought and water policies are drying up the Euphrates River! -- We prophecy students have always wondered and debated on how the King of the East, with its 200 million soldiers, would cross this mighty river as it comes to engage the Lord in the Battle of Armageddon! - Well now we know -- it's drought!!!
Now, Pestilence - Webster's say of this:
1) A deadly epidemic disease; plague
2) Anything regarded as harmful
Here are some highlights -
• As of June 11, 2009, the Swine Flu pandemic officially began, this according to an MSNBC News article. -- Certainly we saw this same flu earlier, originating in Mexico, but experts say that the next time around, it could be much more serious. -- Since that time, it now appears to be strengthening and these same experts claim that it has very similar markings as the Spanish Flu of 1918 which killed millions of people worldwide. -- And now they say it could even mix with Bird Flu. Who knows - all we can do is watch.
Just a couple more:
• The Australian reports that a new Malaria strain is a "global threat"
• WHO (World Health Organization) calls for "urgent action" against global epidemic of drug-resistant TB
• And on and on....
I know this is "heavy" stuff, but I really don't think most of you realize this is all going on. - And again, the reason I want to bring it to you is to show how Bible prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes. -- And, from that perspective, it is not so dark. In fact, it inspires me to get to work for the Kingdom because the Lord is showing us how short time really is before His return.
Matthew 24:6-8 says,
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
In this passage, Jesus says that these things must happen. That means they will. - But also,
I Thessalonians 1:10 tells us, "...Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath." In addition, Revelation 3:10 states, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth."
Here's the bottom line! Scripture tells us everything if we just study it, learn it, and then apply it!
Finally, 2 Peter 3:8-9 states, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends; With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
We do not know how long the Lord will tarry before He returns for His church. - He doesn't want to lose anyone -- but we do know He is coming soon.
So what should we be doing in the meantime? -- Because its going to get worse before it gets better, its not a bad idea to have 30-60 days of supplies on hand -- not to hoard, but to be prepared to help one another. - And most importantly, spread the Good News of Jesus and His coming reign. - Lord knows, the world needs it, and with Him, there need not be fear and trepidation - only joy of what is soon to come.
Luke 21:28 reminds us, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Until next time,
Red