What is the most complex object in the cosmos? This is a big question—galaxies comprise hundreds of billions of stars and planets, and could be considered complex, as could many other natural structures. Among mankind’s creations are some remarkable works of vast intricacy. Europe’s powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider, is an engineering feat of great complexity, and in its day the United States’ Space Shuttle was called the most complicated machine ever invented.

We live in a world that offers us many choices. It can be very good to have at least a reasonable number of options, such as in the area of consumer goods where different products accommodate a wide variety of personal tastes. Not everyone wants the same car, so manufacturers let us choose among Camaros and Camrys, Priuses, Impalas and Volts, and many more. Some are quick to buy the latest iPhone, while others watch for the latest Android or Windows Phone release. Some want crunchy breakfast cereal; others want oatmeal.

Bible prophecies have long stated that just before the return of Jesus Christ, a series of terrible events—portrayed as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—will sweep over the earth. These coming calamities will include: increasing reports of wars, famines, natural disasters and disease epidemics. The “fourth horseman” is named Death and rides a pale horse. The Four Horsemen will ravage one quarter of the earth’s population by violence, hunger and “beasts of the earth”—including viruses and bacteria that spread disease (Revelation 6:8). The Scriptures indicate these end-time pestilences will trigger devastating disease epidemics that will claim millions of lives. While public health disasters of this magnitude may seem far-fetched in the light of modern medical technology, warnings of deadly epidemics on a global scale are becoming more frequent—indicating that ancient Bible prophecies are coming alive right now!

Have you ever thought about what improvements you would make if you ruled the world? That is the task Prospect Magazine, a British general-interest periodical, sets for itself each issue. In a column entitled “If I ruled the world?” authors are invited to express their views, and it often makes for stimulating reading.

“God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen.”