THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS

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Throughout the ages, many people seek to understand the signs of the times. The convergence of pestilence, war, and famine emerges as a recurring theme, not just in some generations, but as a recurring trio that unfolds throughout the scriptures. As we delve into the profound implications of these sorrows, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of history, witnessing the unfolding of prophecies.

Mat. 24:6-8 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

The foundational scripture in Matthew 24:6-7, where Jesus speaks of the “Beginning of Sorrows,” sets the stage for our exploration. This phrase encapsulates the tumultuous times preceding significant prophetic events. The Bible, often laden with symbolism and layers of meaning, sheds light on the interconnected nature of pestilence, war, and famine.

Jesus’ warning in Matthew is a call to awareness. He outlines a future where nations will rise against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms. There will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. These events, described as the beginning of sorrows, indicate the onset of a period of great distress and upheaval.

Jer. 42:17 “So shall it be with all the men that set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there; they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring upon them.”

Jeremiah 42:17 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of defying the guidance of the Lord. Those who set their minds against the counsel of God, seeking refuge in their own understanding, are met with a triad of calamities – sword, famine, and pestilence. The gravity of the message resonates across time, urging humanity to heed the warnings.

Jeremiah’s prophecies highlight the inevitable consequences of turning away from God. The people’s disobedience and reliance on their own wisdom lead to a series of devastating events. The sword represents conflict and war, famine signifies scarcity and starvation, and pestilence denotes widespread disease. Together, they paint a grim picture of a society reaping the results of its defiance.

Ezekiel, a prophet known for his vivid imagery, paints a stark picture of a world besieged by these three horsemen of calamity. In Ezekiel 7:15, the sword is portrayed as an external threat, while the plague and famine lurk within, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of these judgments. Ezekiel 14:21 amplifies the severity of divine judgments, introducing the elements of wild beasts to further emphasize the devastation.

Ezekiel’s visions reveal the comprehensive nature of divine retribution. The sword, plague, and famine are not isolated incidents but interwoven elements of judgment. The inclusion of wild beasts in Ezekiel 14:21 underscores the totality of the calamity, affecting all aspects of life and leaving no area untouched.

Lev. 26:25-26 “And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Leviticus 26:25-26, a passage rich in poetic language, illustrates the covenantal consequences of disobedience. The sword avenges the quarrel of the covenant, and the pestilence becomes a relentless hand delivering the rebellious into the hands of their enemies. The breaking of the staff of bread symbolizes the harsh reality of famine, a consequence of turning away from divine guidance.

The language of Leviticus conveys the seriousness of breaking covenant with God. The sword, pestilence, and famine are depicted as tools of divine justice, serving as both punishment and a call to repentance. The breaking of the staff of bread, a symbol of sustenance, highlights the severity of famine as a direct result of disobedience.

Jer. 14:12 “When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.”

Jeremiah 14:12 echoes a sentiment often found in the Bible – the futility of religious rituals without genuine repentance. Fasting and sacrifices devoid of a contrite heart lead to an end marked by the sword, famine, and pestilence. The passage serves as a solemn reminder that true worship involves a heart turned towards God, not just outward rituals.

The emphasis on genuine repentance is a recurring theme in scripture. Jeremiah’s words remind us that God desires heartfelt devotion rather than empty rituals. The triad of sword, famine, and pestilence serves as a stark warning of the consequences of superficial worship and unrepentant hearts.

Eze. 5:12 “A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.“

In Ezekiel 5:12, the concept of thirds is introduced, depicting a multifaceted judgment. One-third succumbs to plague, one-third falls by the sword, and one-third faces dispersion. This intricate division emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine retribution, leaving no corner untouched by the consequences of disobedience.

The division into thirds in Ezekiel’s prophecy illustrates the thoroughness of God’s judgment. Each third represents a different aspect of calamity, collectively demonstrating the extensive impact of disobedience. The prophecy underscores the inevitability and severity of divine retribution for a wayward people.

Eze. 6:11 “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Ezekiel 6:11 amplifies the gravity of the situation, calling attention to the evil abominations that invite the trio of sword, famine, and plague. The urgency in God’s command to acknowledge the severity of the situation underscores the need for repentance and a turning back to the divine path.

God’s call through Ezekiel is a plea for recognition of the severity of the people’s actions. The trio of sword, famine, and plague are direct results of abominations committed against God. The message is clear: repentance and a return to God are necessary to avert disaster.

As we stand on the precipice of history, observing the unfolding events in the world, the prophetic tapestry becomes clearer. Pestilence, war, and famine are not isolated occurrences but interconnected strands that signal a broader narrative. The questions that echo through the ages find resonance in our hearts: Are we leaning on the Rock? Are we attuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

The mention of the Holy Spirit introduces a critical element into our exploration. The Spirit, given to guide us into all truth, becomes a compass in these turbulent times. The story of a friend losing the gift of vision and dreams serves as a cautionary tale. While these gifts may serve as signposts initially, once grounded in the Word, they become less necessary. The focus shifts from seeking signs to discerning God’s will through His revealed truth.

The need for discernment is paramount. Miraculous signs and spiritual gifts are valuable, but they should not overshadow the pursuit of understanding God’s will through scripture. The emphasis should be on grounding faith in the Word and seeking a deeper relationship with God.

As we navigate the turbulent waters of our times, the intertwining prophecies of pestilence, war, and famine beckon us to introspection. These three challenges us to lean on the Rock, to seek discernment through the Holy Spirit, and to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of the Word. The question remains: Are we prepared for the next phase of these prophecies? The tapestry unfolds, and as stewards of our faith, may we stand firm, anchored in the Rock, as we navigate the currents of these prophetic times.

The recurring theme of pestilence, war, and famine serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. These elements of judgment are not just historical events but prophetic warnings that call us to examine our hearts and lives. In these times, we are urged to seek God’s guidance, lean on His Word, and prepare ourselves spiritually for the days ahead. May we remain steadfast, discerning, and anchored in the truth, ready to face whatever comes with faith and courage.