8 | Prophetic Times
Prophetic Word
For 2014
Continued from page 4
The Bible makes it quite clear that there will be a definite end to life as we know it. Earth's governmental systems, economic and trading systems, animal kingdom, and even geology will all be changed at the Second Coming of Christ. Our current age is coming to a dramatic end as God deals with rebellious nations. And just before these changes, at the very end of this age, it seems God will intervene in Earth's weather!
Consider Israel, according to Bible prophecy it will be a time of blessing for Israel. As God brings back His people from the nations and establishes them in their own land, He will also bless their land with the required rains. The wilderness turns green and becomes fruitful with the blessing of the required 'early'
and 'latter' rains (Joel 2.21-27). In Israel the 'first' rains usually fall in early November. The 'latter' rains in April, corresponding to Autumn and Spring respectively.
Then there's the future Gog-Magog War. At some point in the future (biblical timing here is uncertain), it seems Iran, together with other Islamic nations, will invade Israel from the north (Ezek 38). But just as God intervened to release Israel from the grips of Pharaoh, so He will intervene to protect Israel from the invading armies. As with Joshua (see above), the weather plays an important part in their defeat'... I will rain on him (Gog) and on his troops... a torrential rain, with hailstones ...' (Ezek 38.22). Hail features high on the weather ingredients list at the end of the age. It is part of God's judgement upon the nations. Besides fierce heat there will be extreme hail and snow storms: 'Or have you entered the storehouses of the snow ... which I have reserved for the time of distress ...' (Job 38.22,23) '... and huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, came down from heaven upon men ...' (Rev 16.8,9,21).
Clearly, God intends to use short-term weather events to influence world affairs in the future. Since there is clear Biblical support for God's control of past and future weather, it is logical to ask 'Is God beginning to speak through the severe weather events seen today?' How close are we to these future events?