Revelation 8:6-13

Posted on June 25, 2021 8:17 am by janjoybell@yahoo.com

The First Four Trumpets

As we’ve walked through this end-time prophecy it’s become clear that God’s patience with sinful mankind is reaching it’s limit. The seven seals (Ch. 6) revealed heaven’s movement toward earth permitting violence, economic injustice, famine, and disease in order to turn man’s heart to repentance. The judgments of God, as trumpet calls, will be experienced in the earth with the same goal: turn to God.

Jesus warned us,

I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

Believers will no longer be able to sit on the sidelines or be lukewarm; tribulation or pressure will force them to take a stand and there’ll be no question who is a Christ-follower. The seal of the Spirit marks believers during times of great tribulation reassuring them of His promise to ‘shelter them with His Presence’ (Rev. 7:14-17).

As you read this section recognize echoes of the plagues of Egypt (Ex. 7-10) as God’s clarion call sounded as warnings like ‘birth pains’; Jesus’ return is closer (Matt. 24:21-22, 29-31). These catastrophic events will hit the earth as warning shots with greater intensity but still only affecting a fraction of mankind: that’s His mercy.

Hail and fire (what a dichotomy) mixed with blood is thrown down producing a burning on the earth; that should get everyone’s attention.

A burning mountain thrown down will effect the oceans by producing blood; God’s wrath poured out against sin.

Our fresh water supply will be poisoned by a great star falling from heaven; possibly an asteroid-like phenomenon.

The fourth trumpet of God’s voice removes light producing total darkness but as you read in Ex. 10:21-29 you’ll see that believers were unaffected: He is our Light.

Lastly, as another short rest from judgments we envision a bird of prey crying out that there’s more to come: the 3 Woes. God is so good to not let us get bogged down with these judgments or warnings remembering from Chapter One that we’re blessed when we read these events that must, without doubt, happen.

In the midst of it all we’re encouraged time and time again that He’s with us, walking among our churches, and keeping a tight grip on us all. Tribulation of any kind, but especially these trumpet warnings, affect rebellious mankind with fear and terror but believers will be unaffected when they remember Paul’s words:

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.