Though the coronavirus COVID-19 has killed over 200,000 people to date it is only one of a trio of plagues that accompany each other in the Bible – famine is on the doorstep – the sword will follow.
Linking Coronavirus, Famine and the Seals
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads with death in its wake, another deadly plague approaches – famine. Pestilence is mentioned 42 times in the Bible and of those, 23 also mention famine. So it would appear to be more than a coincidence that famine is appearing on the heals of the coronavirus.
I previously wrote about the deadly convergence of pestilence, locusts and drought afflicting the world and the approaching famine to come. (see post Plagues of Coronavirus, Locusts and Drought – A message from God) In this post I highlighted concerns from the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FA) about the potential for famine in Africa and the Middle East. Unfortunately, these concerns have only grown.
In an interview of David Beasley, the executive director of the World Food Programme, The Guardian reported alarming concerns. Mr. Beasley stated that after the largest locust swarms in decades, coronavirus has, “taken us to uncharted territory.” He said, “Now, my goodness, this is a perfect storm. We are looking at widespread famines of biblical proportions.”
This link to the Bible is more than just a expression. There are only two places in the New Testament that mention pestilence and famine together and they both are in reference to the end-times. The first is in the Olivet Discourse as told by Luke. In Luke 21:11, Jesus says, “There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.” The next place is in reference to the 4th seal in Revelation 6. I believe I have provided sufficient proof in past posts that these two scriptures are referencing the same event. (For details see post Six Seals Revealed in the Olivet Discourse)
So are we now seeing this biblical connection of pestilence and famine playing our before our eyes?
How the Coronavirus is Leading to Famine
What has lead to this? The problem is manifold – including strained government resources, worker lay-offs, food production and food prices.
As we are witnessing, the coronavirus pandemic has placed a huge burden on governments and economies. We are seeing government resources striped as healthcare costs rise while tax revenues drop from economic standstill and oil prices crash. These same governments are needed to provide resources for the poorest countries to receive food.
According to The Guardian, Mr. Beasley spoke to the UN security council last week, imploring world leaders to fund the roughly $2 billion in humanitarian aid that has already been pledged.
“The Food Supply Chain is Breaking”
At the same time, the coronavirus is keeping laborers from working and earning wages. This lack of labor is causing serious problems in the food supply chain. Manufacturers are shutting down food processing plants, resulting in less supply, higher prices and a depopulation of livestock.
Shockingly, the chairman of Tyson foods just issued a warning that, “the food supply chain is breaking.” He warned this after temporarily halting of production at several plants. And Tyson is not alone.
Bloomberg reported that JBS, one of the largest meat processing companies in the world, closed several of its U.S. facilities in response to coronavirus outbreaks. And Fox News reported that the president and CEO of Smithfield Foods, has warned of “severe, perhaps disastrous” consequences for the country’s meat supply chain after closing several meat processing plants.
And don’t forget that the African Swine Flu in China has killed or caused to be killed over half of its 440 million population of pigs.
The Sword Follows Pestilence and Famine
I mentioned previously in this post that in 23 of the 42 times the Bible mentions pestilence, it also mentions famine. But that’s not all. In EVERY one of those 23 cases “the sword” or similar connotation is also mentioned.
So when we see famine now following pestilence I have to believe that the sword will follow as well. This trio is also the essence of the 4th seal.
So what does this mean?
I believe it means that after the oppression of the coronavirus and the scarcity of food, there will be civil unrest. There will be violence and there will also be bloodshed.
The signs of the third and fourths seal are manifesting before our eyes in 2020. Pestilence and famine are upon us and if experts are correct, the worst is yet to come. Death is spreading over a quarter of the earth across Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. I believe that these signs indicate that at least the first four seals have been opened. (see my post, Has Jesus Opened the Seals?)
What We Can Do
But just because the Bible has foretold these things, does not mean we should sit back and watch. God placed each of us in this time period for a reason. We can help spread the good news in times of hopelessness and we can help mitigate the suffering.
The are local and global opportunities before us. Consider donating to food banks church-run food pantries. Consider donating to food and water charities. There are many, and if you do not have a favorite, here is a link to one to which I donate, Life Outreach International.
“So, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” – Jesus