Rev. 9:13-21; Psalm 46:4-7

Rev. 9:13-21
The 6th angel sounds his trumpet, and God gives him permission to release 4 angels, obviously evil angels since they were bound, who were given permission to kill a third of mankind. A supernatural demonic army carries out this plan with three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur.

Even after this terrible, fearful devastation, those who remained still did not repent. v. 20. They continued in demon worship and idol worship. Satan has always wanted to be worshiped. Idols are the work of man's own hands. These are "gods" that cannot save or love or protect them in any way. Not only did they practice false religion, they also continued in murders, magic arts, sexual immorality, and thefts. The word here translated "magic arts" comes from a Greek word meaning pharmacies and so could easily be linked to a drug culture.

But even in these dark times, God will continue to work out His will. Neither wicked, evil, lawless people nor Satan himself will be able to stop God's eternal plan.

Psalm 46:4-6
In vv. 1-3 we saw that the psalmist declared His trust in God even when his life was turned topsy-turvy.

In vv. 4-7 we are given a picture of God's presence bringing peace and tranquility. Remember that the Holy Spirit lives within each of us as believers, and so in that sense we ARE the dwelling place of God. And then we have heaven, our eternal home to look forward to. So I think it's accurate to say that God today provides peace within us, and He promises us eternal peace as well. "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."

Contrast the crashing mountains and heaving sea of vv. 2-3 with a peaceful river or stream. This is the peace God offers in the midst of trouble.

For meditation today:  "The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."