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.
Locust outbreak expected to worsen in Saudi Arabia, poses ‘serious threat’. The locust outbreak – the worst in 25 (5×5) years – is threatening agricultural land and crops on both sides of the Red Sea. Five (5) countries affected by ‘swarms’; Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Adult locust swarms can fly up to 150 (5+5+5) km a day.
Gulf Business. January 7, 2020
A desert locust outbreak in Saudi Arabia has evolved into a “serious threat” along the south-west coast between Makkah and Jazan, the kingdom’s ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has said.
The ministry’s field exploration and control teams surveyed 171,770 hectares during the second half of December and wiped out locusts from 17,296 hectares in various regions of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Riyadh, Qassim and Hail, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The issue is expected to worsen during the winter season, with further swarms expected to continue to migrate to the country from Sudan and Yemen.
The ministry stressed that the general situation required monitoring and intensive exploration and control throughout the key winter reproduction areas.
It also urged citizens and residents to immediately notify authorities if they observe locust swarms to help eliminate the insects.
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that the locust outbreak – the worst in 25 years – is threatening agricultural land and crops on both sides of the Red Sea.
“A potentially threatening situation is developing along both sides of the Red Sea where ongoing breeding is causing locust numbers to increase on the coasts of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia and Yemen,” the FAO Locust Watch said in a statement on Monday.
“Widespread laying and hatching occurred in Saudi Arabia and gave rise to numerous hopper groups and bands, and a few immature swarms moved into the interior in late December. Hopper bands and swarms are also forming on the Red Sea coast in Yemen. More swarms are likely to form in both countries later this month,” it added.
The kingdom also faced locust outbreaks intermittently last year.
Adult locust swarms can fly up to 150 km a day with the wind and adult insects can consume roughly their own weight in fresh food per day.