The Great Fire of Rome

The great fire of Rome broke out on the night of July 18, 64AD.

Historian Tacitus, who witnessed this catastrophe, told of the rapid spread throughout Rome for six days and seven nights.  Out of the city’s fourteen districts, three were destroyed, seven were in a state of destruction, and four were untouched.  The fire initially started in the eleventh district housing the CIRCUS MAXIMUS of chariot racing.  Flames appeared first in the merchant shops near the arena, which sold flammable goods, fueling the initial spark which swept through the circus to its destruction.  The city’s poor planning aided the fire’s rapid advancement.  Under Nero’s reign, the buildings consisted of broken-down wood structures built close together along a narrow winding road.  Strong winds from the Tiber River carried the fire through the city.  Within hours of its onset, Rome was ablaze.

This great fire killed untold numbers and left numerous homeless.  Many of Rome’s sacred temples and the Imperial Palace were destroyed.  Firefighting efforts were hindered due to gangs and looters.  Arsonists acted under orders given by Nero.

Nero observed the inferno of his city while playing the lyre and singing about the destruction of Troy.  Nero had ordered the fire to clear away space for his new palace Domus Aurea.  To stave off public lynching, Nero accused the “CHRISTIANS” of burning the city.  He had them rounded up, wrapped in pitch, dipped in tar and burned as torches at his dinner parties.  He then had them sewn into animal skins and thrown to the dogs as Circus entertainment.  His cruelty was extreme and demonic.  Thus began the many years of Christian persecution in Rome until the Edict of Milan in 313 AD.

Enter the Present World Stage

Fires are running rampant across the globe.  Leaders are blaming global warming or climate change to coincide with their WORLD AGENDA.  Yet the citizens of this world are intelligent, alert, and awake.  Many Arsonists have been caught and charged.  Multiple investigations are pending in pursuit of the guilty.  Many people openly admit to being employed by their governments to commit atrocities against citizens and the environment.

My Personal Observations

Currently, I am employed in Hinton, Alberta, every two weeks.  Smoke from fires east of Hinton has shut down schools due to extremely unhealthy air quality.  Edson has had to evacuate twice during my intermittent work in Hinton due to the danger of intense wildfires encroaching on the town’s perimeters.

Upon leaving my last two-week shift in Hinton, the #16 highway was opened to non-stop traffic through Edson though the town was still under evacuation orders.

I am compelled to share the gamet of my emotional response as I travelled through this normally active hub’s eerie, quiet, deserted desolation.  I spilled many tears and spewed many expletives of anger and outrage at the devastating anguish and suffering of the displaced residents of Edson; meanwhile, en route witnessing the smoke to the south from this continuing fire that never should have started in the first place.  An eye-witness to the PINK rain puddles from previous rain along the highway.  BIG QUESTION, why were the puddles tinged in pink?  Is not rainwater CLEAR?

“I am Almighty God.  I am preparing a disaster for YOU and devising a plan against YOU—those who carry out destructive activity against my people and environment.  YOU do not heed my warnings.  YOU continue in your stubborn evil plans.  Though your wicked ways weary YOU, YOU do not give them up.  YOU renew your strength to perpetrate evil.  I am God, and there is no other.  My purpose for evil-doers will stand, and I will do all that I please with each one”.

Jeremiah 18:11-12, Isaiah 57:10; 46:9-10

To all my fellow citizens of Alberta and Canada, I invite you to ponder the history presented.  Be open to our Father’s revelation of any parallels.  Allow His love, comfort, protection, provision and reminder that he is in control of all things to permeate inward.

“I know you are oppressed and afraid.  Remember, you are mine.  A Father takes care of his children.  As you pass through the floods of water, they will not sweep you under.  As you proceed through the devastation of fire, you yourself shall not be burned.  I feel your fear.  I calm, settle, comfort, quiet and stabilize you.  I lead you forward blindly along unfamiliar paths.  I am continually illuminating and smoothing the rough terrain before you.  I am your secure, all-seeing, trustworthy guide moment by moment. I am meeting all your needs.  I never leave you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 42:16; 43:1-6

 

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Sally Darlene Cooper