Drought and Weather Related Calamities

What's wrong with the weather?

As part of the United States experiences heat-wave conditions, fear of drought and its consequences are heightening in many states. Is there cause for worry? Does God cause drought? Are droughts and floods just flip sides of a "weather coin?" What can we know about current and future droughts—are they prophesied in the Bible?

Let us consider the current problem. On Thursday, July 29, Maryland Governor Parris Glendenning declared a drought emergency after three years of below-average rainfall. A task force has been formed to study whether water restrictions should become mandatory. Residents may be asked to take shorter showers, not wash their cars, and reduce their laundry volume.

Maryland is not alone. On Monday, August 2, New Jersey Governor Christine Whitman is expected to issue a drought warning in her state, where grain farmers are losing their crops because of the dry heat. Growth of field corn and soybeans are suffering the worst.

Similar weather conditions exist around the country. United States Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman said on July 29 that drought is destroying pastureland vital to the feeding of United States livestock. Secretary Glickman noted the Mid-Atlantic States, parts of the Pacific Northwest, northern Florida and southern Texas are all in the midst of a drought.

Said Secretary Glickman: "The ones that have been most affected are those who raise forage for livestock. That means that feed is not going to be there. [Farmers raising animals] will have to either buy it at much higher prices in the local area or it is going to have to be trucked in."

Because of fairly strong crop production in the Midwest, Glickman does not foresee a national calamity coming as a result of the drought. He does see it as a serious problem, and believes that the United States needs to develop crops requiring less water for growth.

Yes, Secretary Glickman may be right—this time—that no national calamity will occur. Yet, prophecies of the end times indicate that there will be terrible drought in many places. In past ages, God has punished disobedient nations with drought. The prophet Isaiah wrote (Isaiah 50, verse 2): "Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst." Who would deny that God has the power to fulfill such a prophecy?

In the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, disobedience will be punished with drought. The prophet Zechariah has foretold punishment that will befall Egypt if the Egyptians fail to worship God. "If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles" (Zechariah 14:18)

Are we a rebellious nation? Would God be justified in punishing us with drought? Look around you and judge for yourself! With rampant abortion, adultery, and thievery we, and people of all nations, are violating one another. Concurrently, by idolatry and covetousness we are destroying the very foundation of individual and societal character. How far are we from conditions described by the prophet Jeremiah, who observed, (Jeremiah chapter 50, verse 38) "A drought is against her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is the land of carved images, And they are insane with their idols."

However, we do not have to suffer indefinitely. God will deliver His people, who love Him and live as their Savior Jesus Christ taught. For faithful servants of God, the Bible reveals a better fate. The prophet Isaiah: "I will pour water on him who is thirsty. And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And my blessing on your offspring" (Isaiah 44:3).

For obedient children of God, the blessing of Revelation chapter 7, verse 17 awaits: "for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

The current adverse weather conditions are only the smallest taste of what is yet to come upon those who disobey God. He is the only sure protection from the truly momentous events that lie ahead. The day is near when Almighty God will distinguish between those who worship Him in Truth, and those who worship Him with their lips alone.

I'm Carl McNair, with commentary for the Living Church of God.