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.

Schools forced to close as smog chokes Pakistan’s second city. Concentration of small particles of pollution crept over 600 (6). Levels over 200 considered very unhealthy. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are home to 18 (6+6+6) of the 20 most polluted cities in the world.

The Telegraph. November 7, 2019

Schools in Pakistan’s second largest city have been forced to close because of dangerous levels of smog.

Officials made the decision for the first time after a pall of polluted air hanging over Lahore since last week sent air quality measures plummeting.

A mixture of a drop in temperature, vehicle emissions, dirty industry and stubble burning have produced the toxic fog, experts say.

“Due to a sudden increase in smog, all schools in Lahore will remain closed tomorrow,” Punjab’s chief minister, Usman Buzdar, said late on Wednesday.

On Wednesday the city’s United States consulate measured “extremely hazardous” levels of air pollution and warned residents to stay inside.

The consulate’s air quality monitor showed that the concentration of small particles of pollution crept over 600 late on Wednesday. Levels over 100 are considered unhealthy and levels over 200 considered very unhealthy.

“Please take all precautions to stay indoors keeping doors and windows closed,” US officials said.

“Do not burn anything in or near your home. Do not travel if at all possible until pollution levels decrease.”

The smog has been caused in part by widespread crop burning in the surrounding province. The practice is popular among poor farmers, who set fire to remnants of the previous season’s crop to prepare the land for their next planting.

Heavy traffic, open fires for cooking and warmth as well as years of cutting down trees have all contributed to the city’s poor air quality.

South Asia has become the world epicentre for smog in recent years after Chinese cities have appeared partly to clean themselves up.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are home to 18 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world with Gurugram, south west of New Delhi, taking the top spot according to a study released by released by Greenpeace and IQ AirVisual, which collects worldwide air pollution.

Politicians in India and Pakistan have each blamed the other for the rise of the smog. Smog in Delhi earlier this week caused officials to close schools, divert flights and limit the number of vehicles allowed on the city’s roads.

In Lahore, the air quality measure had improved by Thursday morning, with the level falling to around 150. Officials said rain had helped clean the air.