Blog note. Jesus indicated
that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the
time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year
period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have
occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be
identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these
events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency,
size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor
the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the
times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation
period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and
famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be
from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and
in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea
and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after
those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be
shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall
come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for
as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such
prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded
history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a
large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes,
hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in
unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records
everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This
list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and
massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this
Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are
familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like
a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.
Deadly Heatwave Kills 11 and Hospitalizes Thousands in Japan
Amy Gunia Time•July 31, 2019
A deadly heatwave sweeping Japan has killed at least 11 people, including a mascot in an amusement park, the government has said.
The 28-year-old performer collapsed at an Osaka amusement park while wearing a 16kg (35lb) costume during a rehearsal Sunday evening, the Japan Times reports. The Hirakata Park entertainment venue said it would cancel all costume events for the rest of the summer.
The end of rainy season has prompted a sudden mercury rise across the country, sending nearly 5,664 people to hospitals for heat-related illnesses, according to the Times. Senior citizens accounted for more than half the hospitalized patients.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency said that temperatures are likely to remain high throughout the week, and advised people to take precautions like staying hydrated, according to the Times.
Temperatures are expected to hit 37°C (98.6°F) in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, on Thursday, while other cities around the country can expect upwards of 30°C (86°F).
This is not the first deadly heatwave to grip Japan. In July 2018, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency declared the weather a natural disaster after 65 people died of heat-related medical conditions in one week and a new record of 41.1°C (106°F) was set.
Scientists have warned that as global temperatures rise as a result of climate change, extreme heatwaves are becoming more common.
In recent months, heatwaves have gripped the U.S. and Europe, where an unprecedented early summer hit. Scientists in the U.S. said it is likely be the hottest July on record, following the hottest June on record.