Rev 8-14
The seventh seal marked the beginning of another episode of catastrophic events on earth. As the sixth seal was being wrapped up in Revelation Chapter 7, two categories of people were seen, one was sealed (protected) from the imminent woes that would befall humanity but the other was seen before the throne of God in Heaven. These scenes would be discussed in another article for they have much to reveal. But when the seventh seal was opened, it ushered in the seven trumpets. When each of the trumpet was blown the earth was thrown into another round of miseries, greater than the previous ones. The seven-trumpets-events are divided into two parts:
- Trumpet sound one to four
- The three woes: trumpet sound five to seven
A reflection on the message(s) of the book of Revelation is the warning to all of us that all the glamours of this life shall one day become ugly and fade away. Everything that is built in this world will be destroyed. Legacies will be forgotten, all that men rely on will not hold God back when He is closing the chapters of this age. Therefore, we ought to invest in what does not fade away- eternity with God.
Secondly, we should, as Christians understand the times lest we be found working or resisting the programme of God, which is set and effectual in its time. The danger of these days of distress is that men, believers inclusive, will be desiring and working to see the ‘good’ old days. When the programme of God is playing out (as we have been considering), our desires and actions cannot restore things to the state we want. To try to maintain a pleasurable lifestyle in those troubled times as decreed by God, is like rowing against the course of a river. In the final analysis what is required is that we adjust in every sense to what God is doing so we don’t become frustrated and discouraged in God who is not responding as we would want Him to. But may we be willing to go God’s way in the day of His power.
Trumpet sound one to four
- The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up Rev 8:7
- And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed Rev 8:8-9
- And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Rev 8:10-11
- And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. Rev 8:12
Everything is shutting down. One-third of things in heaven (sky), seas and land were destroyed, no more to function as they used to- never to recover. What a scene it would be. Perhaps in our lifetime or the next generation or the one after it. But the Word of God will surely come to pass.