Last month, the sun sent a reminder that it is still in control of Earth’s climate.
A powerful solar flare supercharged the outflow of solar particles known as the solar wind, overwhelming earth’s protective magnetic field. As a result, the Aurora Borealis, which usually surrounds the North Pole, moved farther south than it has been since 1859.
The Earth’s magnetic field normally shields the planet from the solar wind and cosmic rays. If it is overwhelmed, more harmful radiation reaches the surface of the Earth. At the same time, more cosmic rays enter the atmosphere, playing a significant role in cloud formation and rain. The magnetic field also is weakening, as it does periodically, letting in more space weather to affect Earth’s weather.
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The magnetic field of the sun creates solar flares and giant magnetic storms known as sunspots, which increase in number with increases in solar energy. Over the past 400 years, when sunspots have been measured, a low number was associated with the cold of the Little Ice Age and higher numbers led to a warming climate ending the Little Ice Age. During the last half of the 20th century sunspot numbers reached record levels, contributing to, if not causing, global warming, which raised Earth’s temperatures back to those seen 1,000 years ago during the medieval warming period. Sunspot numbers have lowered recently, but it is too early to tell if global cooling will follow.
Of course, we know that God controls the weather and sometimes uses it for His purposes. A notable example is the drought Elijah prayed into existence (James 5:17). A future event, the fourth bowl judgment, sounds a little like the consequences of a vanishing magnetic field:
“The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify Him” (Rev. 16:8-9, NIV).
Two months ago, the Lord used the sun to send a different message targeting our time. He displayed His power in the awesome Great American Eclipse on April 8, and millions felt His presence: “I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Acts 2:19-21),
Now is the time for the harvest.
God says go.
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Ron Allen is a Christian businessman who is active in ministries spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is the founder of American Wake Up Call.
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