And it was told to them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth or any green thing or any tree, only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Rev. 9:4.
The year was 1944. Continental Europe struggled under the dominion of the Axis powers, who controlled everything from the shores of France to the plains of western Russia. The allies, mainly the United States and Great Britain, built up an enormous invasion force, filling up the southern part of England with men and equipment. Thousands of ships and landing craft assembled as an even larger number of aircraft moved into action.
On the shores of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, German forces braced for the inevitable assault, not certain where the blow would strike. Weeks and months of bombing all along the coast preceded the invasion. Then on the sixth of June, forever to be known as D-day, the push got under way.
One of the key French cities in the path of Allied forces was Caen. The city's war museum graphically tells the story of the invasion and its impact. The British and American bombers dropped thousands of tons of bombs in and around the city. When the Allies finally marched into Caen, the bombardment had destroyed almost every building.
There were, however, a few notable exceptions. The churches of Caen, built during the Middle Ages, survived. Wartime photos attest to the fact that ancient spires still stood amongst the rubble. Apparently the careful construction of these ancient churches was so solid that the populace of Caen would use them as air-raid shelters during the terrible nights of bombing.
What is remarkable about Revelation 9:4 is that the locust/scorpions seem able to discern between the genuine followers of Jesus and those who only profess allegiance. The seal represents the living presence of God in His people (Eph. 4:30; 2 Tim. 2:19).
Satan's attacks will become more and more pronounced in the period before Jesus comes. The good news is that those who have their character solidly built on the foundation of Jesus Christ will not be harmed. In our own human strength we would have no chance against Satan, but those in living relationship with Jesus are shielded from the worst of the devil's devices.
We construct spiritual foundations through time spent each day with the Lord, in the study of His Word, and in prayer and in ministry to others. There is no more significant way to use our time as we approach the last days of earth's history.
You are the Master Builder, Lord. Strengthen my spiritual foundations today for the challenges yet to come.
The year was 1944. Continental Europe struggled under the dominion of the Axis powers, who controlled everything from the shores of France to the plains of western Russia. The allies, mainly the United States and Great Britain, built up an enormous invasion force, filling up the southern part of England with men and equipment. Thousands of ships and landing craft assembled as an even larger number of aircraft moved into action.
On the shores of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, German forces braced for the inevitable assault, not certain where the blow would strike. Weeks and months of bombing all along the coast preceded the invasion. Then on the sixth of June, forever to be known as D-day, the push got under way.
One of the key French cities in the path of Allied forces was Caen. The city's war museum graphically tells the story of the invasion and its impact. The British and American bombers dropped thousands of tons of bombs in and around the city. When the Allies finally marched into Caen, the bombardment had destroyed almost every building.
There were, however, a few notable exceptions. The churches of Caen, built during the Middle Ages, survived. Wartime photos attest to the fact that ancient spires still stood amongst the rubble. Apparently the careful construction of these ancient churches was so solid that the populace of Caen would use them as air-raid shelters during the terrible nights of bombing.
What is remarkable about Revelation 9:4 is that the locust/scorpions seem able to discern between the genuine followers of Jesus and those who only profess allegiance. The seal represents the living presence of God in His people (Eph. 4:30; 2 Tim. 2:19).
Satan's attacks will become more and more pronounced in the period before Jesus comes. The good news is that those who have their character solidly built on the foundation of Jesus Christ will not be harmed. In our own human strength we would have no chance against Satan, but those in living relationship with Jesus are shielded from the worst of the devil's devices.
We construct spiritual foundations through time spent each day with the Lord, in the study of His Word, and in prayer and in ministry to others. There is no more significant way to use our time as we approach the last days of earth's history.
You are the Master Builder, Lord. Strengthen my spiritual foundations today for the challenges yet to come.
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