Who Will Follow Angela Merke/Eels Get High in Britain!

Who Will Follow Angela Merkel

For nearly 13 years, Angela Merkel has been the Chancellor of Germany. She has been called the “most powerful woman in Europe” and “the most powerful woman in the world” (Forbes, November 1, 2017). The Chancellor has been deeply involved in the great “European Experiment” we know as the EU, and she is involved in the “Brexit” process as the UK becomes the first nation to depart from the EU. Since 2005, Ms. Merkel has led a Germany that is the most populous, most powerful and richest nation in Europe. In 2015, she encouraged Germany and Europe to open their borders to one million refugees—an action that could spell the beginning of the end of her political career (Jewish World, June 28, 2018).
Today, Chancellor Merkel is struggling to hold on to power after barely cobbling together a coalition government. While some critics doubt Ms. Merkel will last through the summer, some question whether the EU will remain intact as member nations move in more nationalistic directions. The question on many minds is “Who will lead Germany and Europe—perhaps a very different Europe—in the future?”
Bible prophecies indicate that as we approach the end of this age, we will see a power emerge in Europe with clear links to the ancient Roman Empire (Daniel 2:40–45; 7:23–25). This European power is referred to as the “king of the North” in Daniel’s prophecies (Daniel 11:40–45). It is referred to as a “beast” in Revelation 17 and will be led by a person also referred to as a “beast” (Revelation 13:1–9). Initially, this person may show an interest in peace, but he will later transform—perhaps in response to world conditions—into a powerful, militaristic, arrogant leader who will gain a large following and have the audacity to blaspheme God Himself (Revelation 13:5–6). As Europe moves into a new era, we need to watch world events and be alert to the rise of this powerful and charismatic leader. For more insights into who will follow Merkel and lead Europe, read “One ‘Strongman’ to Rule Them All?”



Eels Get High in Britain!

New research shows “cocaine flushed into rivers is making critically endangered eels ‘hyperactive’ and threatening their survival” (The Independent, June 20, 2018). The human body does not metabolize all drugs it ingests. Thus, drug residue from “cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy [has found its way into] European lakes and rivers, including the Thames.” These drugs survive sewage treatment plants and wind up in the environment, and there is little understanding about their long-term effects. Research from the University of Naples showed that even in low levels of cocaine-contaminated water, “the eels’ skeletal muscle showed evidence of serious injury, including muscle breakdown and swelling, which had not healed 10 days after they were removed from the drug-contaminated water.” These results raise other questions: How will this drug residue impact fish? What about fish that are later eaten by humans, or drinking water taken from contaminated lakes and rivers?
Sadly, many human activities have unintended, long-term impacts on the natural world. The prophet Hosea foretold a time when creatures of this earth would be imperiled (Hosea 4:1–3), and the Apostle Paul lamented that “the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22). Yet, Paul also saw a brighter future ahead when he wrote that “the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (v. 21). Humanity, in putting selfish desires before all other things, has been a poor steward of God’s creation. Yet, the Bible reveals that, one day, the creation—including the waters of the earth—will be healed (Ezekiel 47:8–9)! For more information about this exciting future, read “Oceans In Trouble!”


For nearly 13 years, Angela Merkel has been the Chancellor of Germany. She has been called the “most powerful woman in Europe” and “the most powerful woman in the world” (Forbes, November 1, 2017). The Chancellor has been deeply involved in the great “European Experiment” we know as the EU, and she is involved in the “Brexit” process as the UK becomes the first nation to depart from the EU. Since 2005, Ms. Merkel has led a Germany that is the most populous, most powerful and richest nation in Europe. In 2015, she encouraged Germany and Europe to open their borders to one million refugees—an action that could spell the beginning of the end of her political career (Jewish World, June 28, 2018).
Today, Chancellor Merkel is struggling to hold on to power after barely cobbling together a coalition government. While some critics doubt Ms. Merkel will last through the summer, some question whether the EU will remain intact as member nations move in more nationalistic directions. The question on many minds is “Who will lead Germany and Europe—perhaps a very different Europe—in the future?”
Bible prophecies indicate that as we approach the end of this age, we will see a power emerge in Europe with clear links to the ancient Roman Empire (Daniel 2:40–45; 7:23–25). This European power is referred to as the “king of the North” in Daniel’s prophecies (Daniel 11:40–45). It is referred to as a “beast” in Revelation 17 and will be led by a person also referred to as a “beast” (Revelation 13:1–9). Initially, this person may show an interest in peace, but he will later transform—perhaps in response to world conditions—into a powerful, militaristic, arrogant leader who will gain a large following and have the audacity to blaspheme God Himself (Revelation 13:5–6). As Europe moves into a new era, we need to watch world events and be alert to the rise of this powerful and charismatic leader. For more insights into who will follow Merkel and lead Europe, read “One ‘Strongman’ to Rule Them All?”



Eels Get High in Britain!

New research shows “cocaine flushed into rivers is making critically endangered eels ‘hyperactive’ and threatening their survival” (The Independent, June 20, 2018). The human body does not metabolize all drugs it ingests. Thus, drug residue from “cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy [has found its way into] European lakes and rivers, including the Thames.” These drugs survive sewage treatment plants and wind up in the environment, and there is little understanding about their long-term effects. Research from the University of Naples showed that even in low levels of cocaine-contaminated water, “the eels’ skeletal muscle showed evidence of serious injury, including muscle breakdown and swelling, which had not healed 10 days after they were removed from the drug-contaminated water.” These results raise other questions: How will this drug residue impact fish? What about fish that are later eaten by humans, or drinking water taken from contaminated lakes and rivers?
Sadly, many human activities have unintended, long-term impacts on the natural world. The prophet Hosea foretold a time when creatures of this earth would be imperiled (Hosea 4:1–3), and the Apostle Paul lamented that “the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22). Yet, Paul also saw a brighter future ahead when he wrote that “the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (v. 21). Humanity, in putting selfish desires before all other things, has been a poor steward of God’s creation. Yet, the Bible reveals that, one day, the creation—including the waters of the earth—will be healed (Ezekiel 47:8–9)! For more information about this exciting future, read “Oceans In Trouble!”