"The true hero is Jesus Christ, He is the only hero that should be mentioned. Apart from what man may have done both inside and outside that mine, He is the one who deserves the honour and the glory." Quote from miner Jose Henriquez rescued 13 October 2010 after sixty-none days underground (Full story).

After teaching us to approach God as Father and declaring His sovereignty over our lives (in Heaven) Jesus then told us to pray that God's name be glorified - name representing character (Matthew 6:9, Exodus 20:7). My greatest fear is that I might do or say something that will bring dishonour to His name, I am aware of what little strength I have.

A conversation the other day reminded me of a thought which occurred to me at the beginning of the current pandemic "Fear is more dangerous than any virus ... a virus may kill me, but fear will destroy my life" - I was told of an example of just that. No vaccine 'magic-bullet' will be of any use to them - there are plenty of other killer viruses out there which are not in the headlines at the moment...

My Fear Doesn't Stand a Chance When I Stand in Your Love

I live with eternal in view, I belong to Jesus, my times are in the hands of the Good Shepherd, I am His responsibility - this life is "as bad as it gets". No, I can't explain everything, I get my 'T's dotted and my 'I's crossed but I know Jesus Christ is to be honoured and glorified and His character is beyond reproach - He is the real deal.

Many people are placing their hopes on a Covid vaccine. The usefulness of such only time will tell, I am concerned that man's cleverness will get all the glory and a godless world can return to 'normal'. Which takes me back to the beginning of the article - the rescue took the rescuers a large amount of blood and sweat to achieve but "The true hero is Jesus Christ".

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The voice we read of in Revelation 9:13 could be the cry of the martyrs from Revelation 6:10 crying for justice, in response four demons (angels) are released from captivity onto the earth. Notice that they had been held captive / restrained until it was the right time. Reminds me of Galations 4:4 "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son" - God is sovereign and Lord of time.

What is the response to this demonic onslaught?
Revelation 9:20-21 "... people ... did not stop worshipping demons ... repent of their murders, sorcery, sexual immorality, theft" (compare with Jesus' words in Matthew 5:21-30). Ironic picture of people worshipping the very demons who are causing such havoc.

In Revelation 10:1 we read of a mighty angel.
The use of the word mighty here suggests to me a contrast with the puny demons mentioned earlier - the four of them could not release themselves from captivity!
The imagery used suggests a strong connection with God and Christ - an angel carrying their direct authority (Matthew 28:18 Jesus has all authority).
The rainbow indicates that God has remembered His convenant and is intervening.
Planting feet on sea and land is a declaration of ownership and sovereignty over the whole earth (see Joshua 1:3).

Then in Revelation 10:6-7 "... no more delay ... in those days ... the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as He announced to His servants the prophets".
These are the same prophets who told of Christ's sufferings and the following glories but did not understand the times and seasons of Jesus' coming (1 Peter 1:9).
Against all odds the prophecies of Jesus first coming have been fulfilled.
In like manner, as Peter did on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16), we will declare "This is that!" on His second coming (Acts 1:11).