November 3, 2014
TRUMPET YOUR OWN HORN?
Revelation 9:13–21
Andrew Summey
Central Truth
Our own effort to find fulfillment outside of God will keep us from the freedom that comes through repentance.
Key Verse | Revelation 9:20
The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands . . . . (Revelation 9:20)
Revelation 9:13–21
13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. 17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire 1 9:17 Greek hyacinth and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.
20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Dive Deeper | Revelation 9:13–21
Did you know that the writing style of Revelation was quite popular at the time of Jesus? This style is called "Apocalyptic writing." Apocalyptic writing was a favorite among the Jewish people back then. Why? Simple. Good wins. Evil tyrants like the Romans are defeated by God.
But Revelation is God's Word. He is saying something directly to us. Remember, we are blessed to "read aloud" and "take to heart" the words (Revelation 1:3, NIV). What in today's passage needs to be taken to heart?
This isn't just a big-budget special effects scene; this is a trumpet call and a warning that we need to hear.
The trumpets were a common sound for those in ancient Israel. They would often blow the shofar (trumpet) at the Temple as a call for repentance. If you lived then, you would hear the trumpet blown, and you would be encouraged to pause and test yourself before God. These trumpet calls were like the tornado-warning test sirens that go off at noon on sunny, clear days.
In this scene, the trumpets are the real deal. This is a horrible vision. God is holy, and He will have to cleanse the earth from evil. And, even then, people will choose their own efforts and addictions. Those very things will keep them from repenting before a holy and all-powerful God.
Don't be caught up in the "works of your hands" (verse 20). Are you distracted from giving your life over to God because of your own efforts? Job? Shopping? Relationships? Porn? Food? Unhealthy habits?
Every single person will face his own day of judgment. We need to hear the "trumpets of repentance" in our life now. What are the trumpet calls in my life? Daily Scripture reading. Meeting with my community group. Being corporately reminded weekly as I attend Sunday morning and evening gatherings. These are my trumpet calls. Otherwise, the "works of my hands" can lead me away.
God is there. He has His servants blow the trumpet for you to turn away from what will kill you. Then, God will be there to save you.
Discussion Questions
1. What are "works of your hands" that may be keeping you from fully following God?
2. How many "trumpets for repentance" might you be ignoring right now? Are you avoiding meeting with your community group? Ignoring prayer? Skipping time of meditating on Scripture?
3. How might your life be a loving "trumpet" for others in your home? Community group? Family? Neighborhood? (Remember to "trumpet" with gentleness as 2 Timothy 2:25 encourages.)