In Revelation 9 we see a warning that describes a worldwide invasion of locusts: “Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power” (Revelation 9:3).

Satan himself is behind this terrifying swarm of locusts. Of course, these locusts aren’t real insects, they’re demon-possessed, Satan-controlled men: “Their faces were like the faces of men” (9:7). The locusts are described as men of war: “They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle” (9:9).

The image here is of an army of demonic tormentors, prancing like horses anxious to fight. Their “wings” imply that they can sting from the air and there is deadly power in their sting: “They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months” (9:10). In short, each of these demon-possessed men has the ability to sting, or poison, from the ground or air. This is no mystical allegory, it’s a real army.

The locust-men are given a limited time to do their tormenting work (see 9:5), which tells us two things: (1) terrorists will not be able to destroy America and (2) we need to be prepared for ongoing calamities. The whole world is shrouded in a cloud of fear and, sadly, it’s going to get worse for those who do not know the Savior.

God’s focus right now is on his own people; he is concerned with his church here on earth. His question is: “Are my people becoming more peaceful and at rest, even as the locusts rage on?” God’s desire for you is that you live all your days without fear. “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let them also who love Your name be joyful in You” (Psalm 5:11).

Those who trust in God’s promises to keep them can rejoice and find true rest.

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SI Moderator - Greg Gordon