Fires in Spain, Portugal and California

Wildfires and arson-set fires are burning out of control in northwest Spain and Portugal, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Ophelia (Deutsche Welle, October 16, 2017). More than 30 deaths have been caused by over a dozen fires, and more than 5,000 firefighters are working to contain the blazes. These fires follow on the heels of the deadliest fire in Portugal’s history, which occurred in June. In Northern California, more than 40 are confirmed dead, as fires have burned more than 5,700 homes and other structures. Ten thousand firefighters are battling 16 separate fires fueled by dry conditions and high winds. Observers describe the fire’s aftermath as “a war zone. It is a moonscape of absolute gray destruction. The only thing standing from people’s whole lives are chimneys” (Deutsche Welle, October 15, 2017).

The devastation from these fires could be a foretaste of the end-time plagues prophesied in the biblical book of Revelation. One of the worldwide plagues that will take place just prior to the return of Jesus Christ is that one-third of the trees will be burned up along with all of the grass (Revelation 8:7). This will occur because of humanity’s rejection of God and failure to repent of its sins (Revelation 9:20). However, the Bible reveals that Christ will return and usher in a time of abundance, when there will be rain in due season and even the deserts will blossom like a rose (Isaiah 35:1-2). For a clearer picture of this coming time of abundance and no more destruction, read or listen to The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?