Rising Food Prices: The Beginning of Sorrows

Food riots are breaking out in more than thirty countries due to food shortages. Two people in Egypt lost their lives fighting for food. The United States department of agriculture reported the rise in food prices to be the highest since 1990 and projections for this year's food prices look to be the same.

The U.N. world food bank has the burden of feeding 80 million people around the world this year and they are asking for help. Crops destroyed by radical weather changes; along with a failing economy and overpopulation is the main cause of this crisis.

India and China are seriously overpopulated. The demand for meat and poultry in these countries has had a tremendous effect on food prices. Italy is a large consumer of pasta and the cost of pasta has soared in just the last few years.

Australia suffered its worse drought ever while Argentina experienced severe flooding. The result of these events will be higher prices for milk and butter. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an end to rising food costs in the near future as climate changes continue to wipe out crops and the economy continues to decline. And of course, the poorest nations will suffer the most.

Jesus Christ and the apostles foretold of these events long ago- a time when the world would be in turmoil. One of the first things mentioned was war and rumors of war. Currently, there is more war and terrorism happening around the world than ever before. In fact, there is so much unrest that world war three is not beyond the realm of possibility.

On the Isle of Patmos, John saw in a vision the terrible things that were to come upon the world during the End Times. One of the things he saw was a time of famine and economic stress when a loaf of bread could cost as much as a full day's pay.

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus told the disciples what would take place prior to the End Times and His return such as war, earthquakes, famine, and pestilence. He called it the "beginning of sorrows," and that it was only a prelude to the difficult times ahead.

The apostle Paul described the attitude of the people in these times as being self-centered, proud, unholy, and disrespectful. Men and women will turn from their natural affections and turn to each other. Money and material gain will be worshiped rather than God.

Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear can plainly see that all these things are happening in our world today. There is more worldwide unrest than ever before. Food is becoming scarce along with water and other vital resources. Many countries are experiencing new diseases for which there are no cures. Earthquakes are not only becoming more frequent, they're getting more intense.

In the parable of the fig tree, Jesus warns that when we see these things beginning to happen, we can know that we are on the threshold of the Great Tribulation- a time unlike any other in history.

Rising food prices, war, disease, earthquakes and failing economy is only the beginning. If we are on the brink of the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist will be on its heals. Once the Antichrist comes into power, every person on earth will have to take his mark (mark of the beast) in order to be able to buy or sell.

The economy is failing faster than governments would have you believe; and there could come a time, perhaps in the not so distant future, when store shelves will be virtually empty of food. Clean water will be worth pure gold and local government will not come to our rescue.

Those of us who study and follow the scriptures have seen these things coming. End Time prophecies are unfolding before our very eyes each day in the news.

A wise man (Einstein? Twain?) once said, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Therefore, when we know something is about to happen, we can prepare for it. Perhaps it's time to brush the dust off the bible and move closer to God. "Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you."

Everything we need to know is in the bible. However, without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, much of the meaning will be lost. If you are truly seeking God, he will let you find Him.

Start in the New Testament with the book of John, praying first for guidance. Once you come to believe that Jesus is Lord and that He died for your sins and was resurrected to life, ask Him to come into your heart. Then your soul will have eternal life.

The rising cost of food is truly a worldwide crisis, but the falling away from God is the most pressing crisis ever; which is another of the End Time prophecies.

There is much to learn and little time left in which to learn it. Daniel was told to seal up the book until the End Times when knowledge would be increased. We have an awesome God and He is doing some incredible things in these last days.

Rising food prices, failing economy, global warming, climate change and the results thereof, are only the "beginning of sorrows".