Shema Living During End Times (6)
And there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (Matthew 24:7b)
Jesus shares the final two of four “beginning of sorrows” indicators…famines and earthquakes. The first two are the deception from false Christs (see “Shema Living During End Times #4”) and wars (see “Shema Living During End Times #5”). It is interesting to note a shift from the first two markers as compared to the final two. False Christs and wars and rumors of wars both involve the needed and heavy participation of humankind in their fulfillment. While the final two are labeled as natural disasters. Famines are often caused by drought conditions while earthquakes occur without human initiative but within the earth’s core.
From a Google Search on July 11, 2024, “Statistics on Famines” here are some facts that were generated with an endnote that the data on global hunger may not be fully updated:
*783 million people still go hungry
*1 in 10 people around the world go to bed hungry each night
*75% of the world’s malnourished people live in conflict zones
*1 in 5 children under the age of 15 is chronically malnourished
Similarly, a Google search concerning earthquakes surfaced an article entitled, “Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has naturally occurring earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven't had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up for a big one?” The article provided basic but specific content that on average 16 major earthquakes (7.0 magnitude or higher) occur a year. The article concluded with this statement: “In the past 40-50 years, our records show that we have exceeded the long-term average number of major earthquakes about a dozen times.” (https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/why-are-we-having-so-many-earthquakes-has-naturally-occurring-earthquake-activity-been)
Though only basic research is reflected in the above, the data allows the inference that the reality of both famines and earthquakes are common and a dominant aspect of life as we know it currently. Moreover, the note that the average number of major earthquakes over last half century has surpassed in approximately 25% of those years is a slight indicator of their increased frequency.
Like false Christs and wars the occurrence of both famines and earthquakes have occurred throughout the generations and centuries. Additionally, it is insightful to note how both latter phenomena are cited in the Scriptures and their role in God’ plan and purpose.
First, famines:
*Though the LORD said not to, it was famine that prompted Abram going to Egypt. (Genesis 12:10)
* Similarly, a famine occurred during Isaac’s lifetime. (Genesis 26:1)
*The famine in Egypt was God’s plan to bring Joseph forward and become second in command and eventually Jacob and family to come to live in Goshen. (Genesis 41:27; 47:4)
*A famine led Elimelech to leave Israel and move to Moab. (Ruth 1:1)
*A 3-year famine during David’s reign as king. (2 Samuel 21:1)
*A God-initiated drought caused great famine which, in turn, led to the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 18)
*Famines are a part of Isaiah’s, Jeremiah’s, and Ezekiel’s prophecies of judgment. (Isaiah 14:30; 51:19; Jeremiah 14:15-16; Ezekiel 5:12, 16-17)
*Prophesied by Agabus during the reign of Caesar Claudius. (Acts 11:28)
Now, earthquakes:
*God’s teaching and help about God’s speaking voice for Elijah included an earthquake. (1 Kings 19:11-12)
*Part of God’s upcoming judgment will include earthquakes. (Isaiah 29:6)
*An earthquake helps frame Amos’ prophetic ministry. (Amos 1:1)
*One occurs when Jesus’ died on the cross. (Matthew 27:45)
*Again, when, at Jesus’ tomb, an angel rolls away the stone. (Matthew 28:2)
*When Paul and Silas sat and sung in a Philippian jail. (Acts 16:26)
*Mentioned multiple times in the revelation of Jesus to John. (Revelation 6:12; 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18)
Note: Some Bible translations also include pestilences along with the “birth pang” indicator of earthquakes. Pestilence includes the reality of disease and plague-type crises. The world’s recent experience of the 2020 pandemic is a familiar reminder. Furthermore, the LORD’s employment of the ten plagues that led to Israel’s release from Egyptian bondage is a significant mark of God’s work and purpose. Devastation from earthquakes can easily create loss of electricity, issues with fresh water, and so forth that provide an environment for disease to occur.
In closing, whether God’s purpose was judgment or demonstrate His power or both, famines and earthquakes were moments of testing, trial, and/or discipline. These final two expressions of wickedness are out of control of political leaders and nations but will increase the upheaval, tumult, and fear to be common of the time. Yet, these well-known struggles and hardships of natural phenomena that are descriptive of each passing generation will be allowed by God to be expressed at a new level of severity not previously known or experienced. This will be the new element to be expressed and experienced among and through all four of these preliminary indicators prior to the shift from Satan’s evil to God’s wrath.
Our Father, You have always worked through Your created order. Whether it was used by You to display Your power and Person or was allowed by evil seeking to bring fear and chaos, we surrender to You as the One who is ultimately in control when worldwide disasters of famine and earthquake come before us. We thank You for the biblical and historical record that will provide a stable position for those of us who are watching and praying for Your appearance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
