In recent years, farmers have been forced to watch helplessly as unprecedented swarms of locusts have marched across their lands, relentlessly devouring everything in their path. And these plagues may well be only foretastes of others to come. What does Bible prophecy tell us?

Plagues of locusts have come and gone for centuries. Most people have heard of the ten plagues in ancient Egypt preceding the Exodus of the Israelites. This plague brought swift devastation upon the agriculture of Egypt.

As predicted, the European parliamentary elections witnessed many liberals losing their positions and being replaced by more conservative leaders (Politico, June 10, 2024).

Bible prophecy indicates that a German-led European “beast” power will have a military presence in the Holy Land at the end of the age. In fact, the Bible prophesies that non-Israelite (Gentile) nations will “trample” Jerusalem shortly before Christ’s return (Luke 21:24). How might a German-led European force become directly involved with Israel and Jerusalem in the future? The Bible seldom provides all the details of exactly how its prophecies will come to pass.

We live in a world where religious observance and church attendance are rapidly diminishing, especially in Europe and the United Kingdom. Yet research continues to support the idea that religion is important to health and happiness.

Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius again forcefully highlighted Germany’s need to strengthen its defense capabilities (Deutsche Welle, June 5, 2024). During a question period in Germany’s lower house of parliament, Pistorius stated, “We must be ready for war by 2029”—five years from now!