October 30, 2014

WHOA, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!

Revelation 8

Shawn Foster
Thursday's Devo

October 30, 2014

Thursday's Devo

October 30, 2014

Central Truth

Take heed and be prepared, as God's judgment will be fierce and almighty.

Key Verse | Revelation 8:6

Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. (Revelation 8:6)

Revelation 8

The Seventh Seal and the Golden Censer

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, 1 8:5 Or voices, or sounds flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

The Seven Trumpets

Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.

The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. 2 8:11 Wormwood is the name of a plant and of the bitter-tasting extract derived from it A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.

12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.

13 Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”

Footnotes

[1] 8:5 Or voices, or sounds
[2] 8:11 Wormwood is the name of a plant and of the bitter-tasting extract derived from it

Dive Deeper | Revelation 8

Revelation is said to be the most difficult Scripture to interpret, and I claim no genius. I even joke with my bride that "my worldview changed dramatically when I learned how to read -- I think it was our senior year." Ha ha. Now, back to The Journey. It is helpful to revisit the six C's to understanding the Bible -- Context, Clues, Compare/contrast Scripture, Consult other resources, draw your Conclusions, and Commit to take action. The fourth "C" gave me some insight.

Trumpets play a major role in God's dealings with His people (Exodus 19:16, 20:18; Isaiah 27:13; Jeremiah 4:5; Zephaniah 1:16; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). They were part of Israel's ceremonial processions (Joshua 6:4, 13-16; 1 Kings 1:34, 39; 1 Chronicles 15:24), and they assembled the Israelites for war, journeys, and special feasts (Numbers 10:9-10). They also warned of the coming day of the Lord (Joel 2:1), and they announced the new year in Israel (Numbers 29:1). Here, they announce divine judgment in the day of the Lord.

When I read this chapter, I am in awe of the power of God and grateful for His mercy. The events described in this chapter should invoke fear and trembling for the unbeliever and be motivation for us believers to fulfill the Great Commission. We should have a reverence for God and find joy in sharing the love that rescued us from destruction. I can't do this without an encouraging, loving community of people who remind me that we are not home yet and that "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

The wrath to come is daunting, yet God's grace is an ocean. When we experience God through worship, prayer, Bible study, and community, we experience heaven on earth. It's the most amazing journey ever. What a privilege it is to point others to the One who can save them from the trumpet blast of judgment.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever done something bad and were afraid of getting caught?

2. While growing up, did you learn more about the judgment of God or about His mercy?

3. When and how do you experience the presence of God the most?

4. What would cause you to lean into God and share the gospel more often?