I’ve been slowly reading through Revelation again and trying something new during my study time. I read an article on the value of handwriting—how it makes the brain work. Studies show that as the brain coordinates our thoughts with our pens, it reduces the risk of developing conditions we have come to accept as “old age,” such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss.

While my handwriting won’t win any calligraphy awards, I thought it a worthwhile use of time and effort. And who knows—if the Bible is banned one day, maybe a boxful of journals filled with verses will be overlooked in the roundup! The best benefit is that it causes me to slow down and really think about the words of scripture.

Today’s reading was Revelation 9:1-12, and it’s a doozy! John describes a scene from the Tribulation. Please read it for context. In summary, God hands Satan the key to the abyss, upon which he releases a horde of demons to terrorize and torment the people on earth. They are described as locusts, appearing as an army of horses prepared for battle. They have faces like men, hair like women, and teeth like lions. Their bodies are like iron, and their tails are like scorpions. 

Here are a few observations from this passage.

#1 – It’s clear these are demonic forces.

They arise from the bottomless pit (vs. 1-2), also called the abyss (v. 11). When Jesus confronted the legion of demons in Luke 8, they begged Him not to send them to the abyss. We know this is a holding place for fallen angels (demons), for Jude says, “And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:6). We will learn in Revelation 17:8 that the “beast” (Satan, who will indwell a human to appear as the antichrist) comes from this abyss and will be locked in it again for a thousand years at the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 20).

#2 – The demonic forces are a well-organized enemy.

John calls attention to the locusts as a well-organized army of destruction. They are led by their commander, Abaddon, also called Apollyon, one of Satan’s high-ranking officials. Satan’s angels are not a wild, uncontrollable mob. They are a lethal group of soldiers, intent on causing as much pain as possible while they are on earth.

#3 – Satan is the author of this destruction, but with God’s permission.

The key to the abyss is held in heaven; it belongs to God. However, Satan is given the key to open it and release his demons. The locusts are given specific instructions. They cannot harm plant life but will have free rein for five months to torment humans with scorpion-like stings. The sting is so powerful that “men will seek death…they will long to die, and death flees from them” (9:6). They are also limited in the objects of their torment. Only the ungodly—the unsaved who are rebelling against God—are to be touched. God also limits the duration of the demons’ torment. They have five months.

#4 – The demons have no power over God’s people.

Along with the restriction against harming the earth’s greenery, the demons cannot touch those who bear the seal of God on their foreheads. We heard about this seal in chapter 7, when the 144,000 Jewish evangelists were sealed. Certainly, these men are protected, but I also believe those who come to faith in Christ will be recognized as “off limits” as well. The Bible tells us that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit today and protected from Satan’s attacks. Surely, God will seal His own who come to believe during this seven-year period of judgment on the earth.

What’s our takeaway from this passage?

Two important lessons. First, we need to remember that any power Satan has to operate in this world is limited by God’s sovereign power and plans. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Put on the full armor of God that protects you from the spiritual forces at work (Ephesians 6).

Second, John describes a future event. There will come a time when demonic forces are released to torment those who have rejected God. It will happen. His Word is true, and every “jot and tittle” will be fulfilled. That begs the question, “Are you prepared for it?”

Do you have the seal of God on your heart? What will you do if you are among “those who dwell on the earth” on the day the abyss is opened?