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, duration and scope.

Sydney shrouded in bushfire smoke as Melbourne swelters. Air quality in Sydney and surrounds has been classed ‘hazardous’, as parts of Victoria set to face hottest October day on record. Melbourne set to record its hottest October day in Five (5) years.

The Guardian. October 31, 2019

Smoke from fires burning in northern New South Wales has triggered health warnings for Sydney and other parts of the state, with conditions expected to persist into the weekend.

It comes as parts of Victoria were forecast to reach their hottest October day on record and Melbourne was set to record its hottest October day since 2015.

Air quality in the lower Hunter, eastern Sydney, western Sydney and north-west Sydney has been classed as hazardous, with NSW Health urging people with respiratory conditions, in particular, to take precautions, including staying indoors and protecting the eyes, nose and throat to avoid irritation.

More than 70 bush and grass fires have been burning in the north and north-east of NSW.

Smoke from an out of control bushfire in Port Macquarie and other fires on the mid-north coast, far-north coast and the New England region has contributed to the haze blanketing large parts of Sydney.

Hundreds of koalas are feared to have died in the fire near Port Macquarie, which has burned more than 2500 hectares, including a koala breeding ground.

Jordan Notara, a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology said the smoke was likely to remain in eastern parts of the state until later on Sunday or early on Monday, when the next front is expected.

In Victoria, maximum forecast temperatures on Thursday were more than 10 degrees above average in some areas.

Sale, in the Gippsland region, was also forecast to reach almost 36C , its hottest October day since records began in 1945.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast very warm overnight temperatures in the low to mid 20s and a second day of temperatures in the mid 30s across the state on Friday.

Fire danger ratings in Victoria will reach severe on Friday with the potential for strong and gusty northerly winds.

There is also potential for hazy conditions in the state on Friday due to dust.

A cool change is forecast for the weekend.

South Australia is also experience heatwave conditions, with temperatures in the mid 30s in Adelaide. Ceduna was forecast to reach 41C.