Heatwaves and weather events “could kill over 100,000 a year in Europe by 2100”.1
This recent news, no doubt published in the light of the unprecedentedly scorching weather recently in Italy, caught my attention last weekend. The article predicts searing heatwaves, droughts, floods and wind storms, all as a consequence of global warming.
Does this sort of warning have a familiar ring to it for those of us who read our Bibles? The physical threat of fire should always be a sobering reminder for believers, for we know it will also be the form of the Lord’s final judgment upon the earth (e.g. 2 Peter 3:10-13). It is not surprising that as we approach His return, then, things are ‘hotting up’ (so to speak) – physically, politically and spiritually. Through physical signs we are being alerted increasingly to the times of urgency in which we live.
The Lord Will Come with Fire
My wife had a dream back in 2012. It went as follows:
I dreamed that a tornado was coming through the city and it was very wide, lifting up in its way houses, people, cars…We had to run away to the forest but the forest was on fire in various parts. Where we went the fire would be, not large bits but in small pieces. So we decided to go back but were pushed to where the tornado was still touching down. I felt we had to get below street level and warn people to join us. Many came but lots wanted to go back for things. Bodies were strewn everywhere. So down we went and as it passed over we saw a glimpse of heaven / peace / sun and then it left. We were still there among the debris, water and mess as the tornado went on its way.
She told our family about this dream one evening. As usual at that time, after the meal we read from the Bible. This night, seemingly by coincidence, we reached Isaiah 66 and verses 14-16:
When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes. See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For with fire and with his sword the LORD will execute judgment on all people, and many will be those slain by the LORD. [emphasis added]
Time is Short
So, what are we to do about it? We have to do something, both in prayer and action. Just as the scientists are warning the world of the need to change lifestyles in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we have to warn people that God’s judgment is coming closer.
There is still time for multitudes to escape the fire of God’s judgment. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the opportunity still remains for them to turn their lives about and join our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom. But time is getting short.
Author: John Quinlan
References
1 Press Association, see here.