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.

Potentially deadly tick-borne parasite found in UK

Babesia venatorum, which causes flu symptoms and jaundice in humans, identified in sheep in north-east Scotland

The Guardian. November 20, 2019

Concerns have been raised after a potentially deadly tick-borne parasite was found in the UK for the first time. The organism – named Babesia venatorum – causes babesiosis, an animal disease recognised as an emerging infection in humans.

It has been recorded extensively in China and also in Europe, with two confirmed human infections in Italy over the past 20 years, but has never previously appeared in the UK.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said infected people might get symptoms such as flu and jaundice but severe cases could lead to death.

A study by University of Glasgow scientists reports that the organism has now been identified in sheep in the north-east of Scotland.

Willie Weir, senior university clinician, said: “The presence of B venatorum in the UK represents a new risk to humans working, living, or hiking in areas with infected ticks and livestock, particularly sheep.

“Although we believe the threat to humans to be low, nevertheless local health and veterinary professionals will need to be aware of the disease if the health risk from tick-borne disease in the UK is to be fully understood.

“Our findings follow the recent report of the detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus in the UK. Taken together, these findings signify a change in the landscape of tick-borne pathogens in the UK and the underlying causes for this need to be investigated.”

Scientists collected blood from sheep, cattle and deer in the north-east of Scotland in areas where tick-borne diseases had been detected.

DNA from the parasite was detected in the blood of a large number of sheep, which were not showing any signs of disease, making them carrier animals.

Researchers believe B venatorum may have been carried to the UK by migratory birds from Scandinavia.

Identification of this parasite in the UK raises concerns for European public health and farming policy, according to the study’s authors.

The paper is published in the December edition of Emerging Infectious Disease.