Revelation Study - Session 12

Revelation Study – Session 12

Dr. Larry Reynolds

In the later part of the 1^st century the beginnings of the destruction of Rome could be seen, especially by those who, like John, interpreted such events through eyes of faith.  John saw that the great enemy and persecutor of Christians was not invincible and would not escape the judgment of God.  And throughout Revelation, using graphic symbolic language, natural disasters, internal rottenness, and external invasion are portrayed as instruments used by God to vindicate his oppressed, persecuted people.  This theme can be seen in the series of seven trumpets that comprise act 3 in this great drama of redemption.

I’ve mentioned several times that interspersed between and among the various series of sevens (seals/trumpets/signs/bowls/scenes of celebration) that make up much of Revelation are some interludes.  We have already seen in our study an interlude between  the 6^th and 7^th seals that included two visions:

·        The vision of the 144,000 in 7:1-8 which I believe represent the redeemed of God on earth

·        The vision of the great multitude in 7:9-17 which represent the redeemed of God in heaven

In this study we have come to another of these interludes.  It occurs between the 6^th and 7^th trumpet and is found in chapter 10 and most of chapter 11.  As in the case of the first interlude, this one contains two major visions:

·        10:1-11 – The vision of a strong angel coming down from heaven with a little book in his hand.  This vision is addressed primarily to John.

·        11:1-14 – The vision of the two witnesses and is addressed primarily to the persecuted church.

Before look at some of the details of these two visions, say a word about their purpose.  In the first six trumpets God had warned the people of coming judgments.  It is my position that the judgments being described were primarily the instruments God was using to destroy the Roman Empire that was persecuting His people, but they are also warnings to all people of all times concerning the danger of opposing God.  We saw in chapters 8 & 9:

• Trumpets 1-4 – God’s judgment through natural disaster…

• Trumpet 5 – God’s judgment through internal rottenness…
• Trumpet 6 – God’s judgment through external invasion…

Now, before the sounding of the 7^th trumpet that leads to a series of seven signs in chapters 12-15, we have this interlude with two visions designed to answer two questions:

• How long will Christians have to suffer waiting for God’s judgment to be complete and for vindication?  Chapter 10 deals with that question.
• What is the task of Christians during the time of tribulation and judgment?  Chapter11 deals with that question.

The primary purpose of this interlude seems to me to be to encourage and sustain the battered saints in their witness as they wait to be vindicated.

10:1-11 – THE ANGEL AND THE LITTLE BOOK – This vision answers the question: How long will church have to suffer waiting for God’s judgment to be complete?  Doesn’t give a definitive answer, but does remind reader that will not last forever.  Phrase at end v.6 may be key to understanding this vision – “...there shall be delay no longer.” (KJV says something to the effect that “time will be no more” but doesn’t mean time ends; means time of judgment and along with it the opportunity for repentance ends.)  Want to make few comments about some of the details of this vision:

“...strong angel coming down out of heaven...” (v.1) - Disagreement over identity...some say Christ...others point out oath in verse 6 which is based on Christ makes this interpretation un-natural...whatever identity, obvious came from God...”heaven...cloud...rainbow...face like sun...feet like fire...” all emphasize not of this world...

“...little book in his hand...” (v.2) – Much debate over what book represents...among ideas presented are:

• The vision of chapter 11
• A second Revelation (chapters 12-22)
• A book of sorrow and woe or the judgments of God much like the book mentioned in Ezekiel 2...
• Christian Scientists say Mary Eddy Baker’s Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures...

Any attempt to identity specifically content of book based on speculation...think the book represents God’s word and warnings to those who need to repent...

“...placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land...” (v.2) – Land and sea represent the totality of earth...stresses universality of the message angel came to proclaim...for all the world...

“...cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars...” (v.3) – Could not be ignored... demanded attention...

“…the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices…” – Voice of God sometimes compared to thunder…cf. Psalm 29…John 12:27ff…apparently John heard what was communicated in the seven peals of thunder…was about to write it as was instructed in Rev.1:11…angel forbade him from writing…why?…not sure…may be that wanted John to express this revelation through speaking and not writing…say more about that in moment when we talk about what John was told to do with the little book in the angel’s hand…however, lesson in our not being told immediately what John heard in the peals of thunder…lesson is we don’t know everything about God, God’s ways, and God’s will… our understanding is always incomplete…we know some things because God has revealed, but don’t know everything…and it is presumptuous to think we do…

“…lifted up his right hand to heaven and swore…there shall be delay no longer…” (vv.5-6) – As said moment ago, think this is key to this vision…God had been delaying complete judgment…this has been theme throughout this section of Revelation..

• Chapter 7 where four angels holding back four winds of judgment…
• Chapters 8 where the natural disaster afflicted only 1/3 of the earth…
• Chapter 9 where the locusts could sting but not kill and where the great army from the east was allowed to kill only 1/3 of mankind…

Message seems to be God has been holding back full and complete judgment but that holding back would not last forever…

“…take it, and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey…” (v.9) – Imagery obviously taken from similar event in Ezekiel 2 & 3…

• Eating probably symbolizes mastering the content of the book, which I believe is the announcement (via the thunderous voice from heaven) that full, complete judgment is coming…
• Sweetness probably reference to the joy one experiences at receiving a revelation from God…
• Bitterness reminds that we should never be joyful about announcing the judgment and condemnation that will fall on people who reject God and God’s people…a real prophet never finds joy in preaching judgment and wrath, even though at times those things must be preached…

11:1-13 – MEASURING THE TEMPLE AND THE TWO WITNESSES – William Barclay calls this section “…at one and the same time the most difficult and the most important chapter in Revelation.”  Not sure about most important, but it certainly is at least among the most difficult!

Two basic questions must be dealt with before application can be made:

1. Visions figurative or literal? –

·        Futurists hold that the reference to the temple and the two witnesses must be interpreted literally.  They see a reference to an actual re-building of Temple and emergence of two supernatural witnesses near the end of time.

·        Historical Background, with which I am most comfortable, points out the other visions in interlude (and indeed in entire book) are obviously symbolic…in light of that, it is inconsistent to interpret this vision as literally…to understand the meaning must look at the symbolism…

2. What does the time 42 months, 1260 days, 3 ½ years mean?

·     Futurists – Literally interpreted…actual 3 ½ year period… ½ of a great 7 year tribulation period near the final coming of Christ…

·     Historical Background – Point out that this is a common symbol in Jewish apocalyptic literature…signifies a time of trial and persecution, which is limited in duration…not last forever!!!

Draw main lesson from each of this visions:

Temple being measured – God’s people are protected in difficult and perilous times.

·        “Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it…” – The temple was measured for special care and protection…cf. Zechariah 2:1-5…not a reference to literal Temple in Jerusalem…when John wrote these words the physical temple and been in ruins for about a quarter of a century…this should not be taken as an indication that physical temple is to be rebuilt…language is symbolic…the true temple of God, the dwelling place of God is the hearts of His people…the church, the new Israel is the temple…cf. I Peter 2:4ff… language here is obviously symbolic…taken familiar figure and spiritualized it….I believe the meaning is that the true spiritual temple, that is the people of God, while it may be persecuted and abused, receives spiritual protection from God…

·        “outer court given to Gentiles” – In literal Temple – outer courts Gentiles…inner sanctuary only Jews.  As Judaism divided people into two groups (Jews/Gentiles) so does Christianity (Christians/non-Christians)

·        “tread under feet the holy city” – While not permitted to destroy church, will be permitted to oppress it for limited period of time…great truth for us…while God doesn’t promise to shield us from all trouble, does promise to protect us from those things which would crush and destroy us…because we belong to Him we are protected…

     

Two witnesses – God’s people not only protected, but will prevail…will win the battle

Who are these two witnesses?

·        O.T. and N.T.

·        Christian church and Christian state

·        Christ & John Baptist

·        St. Francis & St. Dominic

·        John Huss & Martin Luther

·        Law & Gospel

·        Jew & Gentile

·        Written Word and spoken Word

·        Moses & Elijah

·        Enoch & Elijah

·        Two literal unknown people

·        Your guess is as good as anyone’s!

C.E. Colton, Revelation Book of Mystery and Hope  - “In order to understand the basic impact of the lesson involved here, it is not necessary that these two witnesses be identified with any specific person or thing.  In fact, it is doubtful that John had in mind here any particular person or persons.”

When does or did whatever is symbolized here occur?

·        Futurists – Two witnesses appear at end of time during first half of tribulation after rapture of church from world but before the Second Coming of Jesus…they are martyred…resurrected (One fatal flaw - would have absolutely no meaning to John’s readers)

·        Historical Background – Represents the experience of Christians in the first century with truths for Christians of all centuries.  Details of the vision seem to support this.

o       Beginning …gospel preached with remarkable success – vs.4-6…attested by divine power…early church had phenomenal growth…miracles were commonplace and had power to bring evil on those who opposed the gospel…

o       Time came when power arose to attempt to crush witness – vs. 7-10 Beast (symbolic of Rome) temporarily successful…case when John wrote the book…Made a spectacle of that the world might ridicule …bodies of martyred Christians often left in public places to discourage others from following the Way……Summers – Doesn’t take much “…imagination to see this as the attitude of the Roman Empire in this period when it seemed that Christianity was being crushed so that it could never rise again…”

o       Time came when the progress of the gospel proved that God’s people would prevail  - vs. 11-13 – God’s power enabled Rome to be overthrown and the gospel to flourish…period was just ahead for John’s readers…witnesses received new breath from God, stood on their feet, and were victorious…

Same pattern has been followed time and again in history of the church…times of great progress…followed by times of persecution and set back…followed by times of renewal, new life…and the great hope of this vision is that in spite of powerful spiritual and human enemies and in spite of having to endure some setbacks along the way, in the end God’s people are going to prevail…what an encouraging word that was to the beleaguered Christians suffering under the power of Rome in the later part of the 1^st century A.D.

                       

Revelation Study - Session 11

Revelation Study – Session 11

Dr. Larry Reynolds

Ray Summers points out that running like a thread throughout Edward Gibbon’s classic work The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is the truth that three great things combined to overthrow Rome:

• Natural disaster (floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions)
• Internal rottenness (long line of corrupt leaders)
• External invasion (from old and new enemies)

Those three things combined to bring down an empire that once appeared to be invincible.

In the later part of the 1^st century the beginnings of the destruction of Rome could be seen, especially by those who, like John, interpreted such events through eyes of faith.  John saw that the great enemy and persecutor of Christians was not invincible and would not escape the judgment of God.  And throughout Revelation, using graphic symbolic language, natural disasters, internal rottenness, and external invasion are portrayed as instruments used by God to vindicate his oppressed, persecuted people.

These three great instruments of judgment can clearly be seen in the series of seven trumpets in Revelation 8 & 9.  As we progress in this study, it is important to keep in mind the structure of Revelation.  This great drama of redemption in presented in seven acts. 

Introduction introducing the writer/director/audience (chapters 1:1 – 3:22)

Act 1 – Vision of God on His throne and the Lamb of God (chapters 4:1 – 5:14)

Act 2 – The breaking of the seven seals revealing the judgments of God (chapters 6:1 – 8:5)

Act 3 – The sounding of the seven trumpets showing additional features of the judgments of God (chapters 8:6 – 11:19)

Act 4 – The revelation of seven significant signs revealing the identity of the

combatants in the conflict between good and evil (chapters 12:1 – 14:20)

Act 5 – The pouring out of the seven bowls of wrath revealing the totality of God’s judgment (15:1 – 16:21)

Act 6 – The revealing of seven scenes of celebration of God’s victory over evil (chapters 17:1 – 20:10)

Act 7 – The revealing of the destiny of unbelievers and believers, of unredeemed and redeemed (chapters 20:11-22:5)

Conclusion (chapter 22:6-21)

I agree with those scholars who contend that the series of sevens in the heart of this drama deal essentially with the same thing:  The judgment of God upon those who are His enemies and the enemies of His people.  While the judgments focus primarily on events in the 1^st century, they are indicative of God’s activity in every century.  And they certainly are reminders and predictors of a more intense time of judgment to come just before the Lord returns to earth.

The seven trumpets symbolize in graphic form the three major contributors to the fall of Rome:

• Trumpets 1-4 – God’s judgment through natural disaster.

(1)   Trumpet 1 – Judgment on land/vegetation...

(2)   Trumpet 2 – Judgment on sea

(3)   Trumpet 3 – Judgment on fresh water

(4)   Trumpet 4 – Judgment on heavenly bodies

Natural disasters played a significant role in Rome’s demise.

• Trumpet 5 – God’s judgment through internal rottenness.
• Trumpet 6 – God’s judgment through external invasion.
• Trumpet 7 – After an interlude in chapters 10 & 11, 7^th trumpet sounds which then leads to the seven signs in chapters 12 – 15.

In this session we are going to focus on chapter 9 in which the angels sound the 5^th and 6^th of the 7 trumpets.

THE FIFTH TRUMPET (9:1-12) – Before read want share with you a statement from Worthy is the Lamb by Ray Summers:  “It must be understood that this is symbolical language.  It must also be understood that this is pageantry, and the details are used to make the play more impressive.  One is not to become so interested in the details of appearance that he misses the actor’s ‘lines.’  Many attempts have been made to determine the exact meaning of each detail in this picture.  Such efforts have been unprofitable.” [p.158]

Want to say a brief word about some of the specific symbols in this vision, and then look at some possible ways to interpret this.

“star ... fallen to the earth” – Ancient people often related stars to angels/messengers of God...this star is personified and releases terrible destruction upon the earth...scholars dispute whether should be viewed as “good” angel, simply following God’s orders, or “evil” angel working against the will of God...

“bottomless pit” – A three tiered universe was the standard world-view of ancient people...heaven above, earth in the middle, the places of evil beneath...this concept appears time and time again in Revelation...on numerous occasions John speaks of “the abyss” which is the abode of evil spirits and Satan, himself...

“locusts” - Swarms of locusts were common in the Middle East.  They breed in the desert and then invade cultivated lands for food supply.

·        Coming from the same family as the grasshopper and cricket, they reach a length of ca.1” and a wingspan of ca.5”

·        Sometimes travel in columns 100’ deep and as much as 4 miles long

·        In just a few minutes can completely strip an area of all living vegetation

Because of their destructive nature and because they were such a common sight, all through O.T. they are used as a symbol of judgment and destruction.

·        In EX 10 they form the eighth plague sent on the Egyptians

·        In Joel they form the backdrop for the book.  John drew much of this material from Joel 1 & 2

Were not ordinary locusts...differed in what they did...ordinary locusts do not harm people directly...these stung like scorpions...certainly differed in appearance...cf. vv.7-9...while all kinds of while speculation about the meanings of those details, I think given simply to magnify the horror of this judgment...not a light thing... terrifying...

“hurt ... only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads” – Refers back to chapter 7...this judgment not directed toward all people...directed toward those not protected by God...

“to hurt men for five months” – Two  interpretations have been offered

·        One writer says that is normal life span of locusts...saying their time would not be shortened...the judgment caused by them would run its complete course...

·        Others say the specific amount of time is to emphasize that the judgment would not be complete...similar to the use of 1/3 in trumpets 1 through 4...

“they have as king...Abaddon...Apollyon...” – Both words carry the idea of “destroyer”...some have speculated may be a veiled reference to the Roman Emperor Domitian, who liked to think of himself as Apollo incarnate [BBC, p.297]...god from Greek and Roman mythology who was depicted more in art than any other of the gods...

What does this vision mean?  As in the case of all the visions of Revelation, how you interpret it is dependent on your approach to the book.

• Futurist (Most of Revelation deals with the 7 year tribulation period between the second and third comings of Christ) – The locusts represent an invading army from the east of which Russia will be a key part...some identify this army with that of Gog in Ezekiel 38...Hal Lindsey suggests the description of the locusts may refer to military helicopters...
• Historical-Background Method (Interprets book in its original setting, looking for the obvious meaning for those who received it in 1^st century.  Also sees in Revelation principles that apply to all Christians of all eras who suffer of their faith.  And this method recognizes the clear eschatological implications of Revelation, especially toward the end of the book.) – Views locust coming from within the earth as symbolic of the internal strife and decadence within the Roman Empire.  Not only would judgment come form natural disaster (trumpets 1-4) and external invasion (trumpet 6), it also comes form moral and spiritual decay from within.

Want to end discussion of the 5^th trumpet on positive note.  I’ve said it to you many times before…will continue to say it.  Revelation is a book of hope and encouragement.   Not meant to frighten God’s people…build them up....message of hope that permeates this fifth trumpet…God is in control.

vs. 1 – “was given to him”

vs. 3 – “power was given them’

vs. 4 – “they were told”

vs. 5 – “they were not permitted”

Nothing happened except as permitted and directed by God, Himself.  God is in control and God takes care of His people. 

THE SIXTH TRUMPET (9:13-21)  As in the case of the previous vision, how one interprets this depends on one’s approach to Revelation.  Share in summary fashion the major approaches. 

• Futurist – Some interpret this as a literal army coming from the east.  Hal Lindsey suggests that it would be possible for China to have as many as 200 million soldiers under arms.  He points out that this is the only time in history where an army of that size has could exist.  When John wrote these words, the entire world population was less than 200 million!  He states that the horses with heads like lions which belch out fire, smoke, and brimstone (v.17) may refer to some kind of mobilized ballistic missile launcher which is capable of delivering nuclear weapons to cause the kind of destruction described in this vision.  This view takes a quite literal approach to interpreting this vision, which, it seems to me, misses the point of apocalyptic literature.  Others spiritualize this army, saying it is an army of demons.  Some of pointed out the physical impossibility of putting an army of 200 million in the middle east.  They say to move and supply such an army would be impossible in light of geographical and supply limitations of that area.  Thus, they say this represents demonic forces that God allows to be unleashed on the enemies of His people.

• Historical Background – Sees this as another tool God used in the destruction of Rome...external invasion...most take this to be symbolizing the Parthian army, Rome’s greatly feared enemy to the east...they point out that:
• Parthians came from the eastern edge of the Empire in the direction of the Euphrates...
• Dressed their horses and themselves in bright armor...
• Often used the colors described in v.17

Ray Summers, Worth is the Lamb -   “The whole picture presents the Parthian cavalry from the land of the Euphrates.  This group was Rome’s most dreaded enemy and a constant threat to her eastern boundary.  The description given in this passage is such as to terrorize any opponent.  Feature a horse with a lion’s head, with fire, smoke, and blazing sulphur coming from his mouth, with a poisonous snake in place of a tail.  The combined efforts of P. T. Barnum and Robert Ripley could not produce such an animal!  Now multiply that by 200,000,000 and get the picture of the army marching on Rome.  This whole picture is given to symbolize external invasion, which would serve as an instrument in God’s hand to punish the oppressors of his people.”

At first glance vv.20-21 appear depressing.  Those not killed by the invading hordes refused to turn away from their evil.  They continued their worship of evil, idolatry, and immorality.   However, these verses actually contain a word of hope for God’s people.  The point is, this judgment is on those who oppose God.  It is a judgment on those aligned with the world, not with God.  While Christians may experience trial in this world, and while they may even be impacted by God’s judgments on an evil world system, their trial is not judgment.  Those who refuse to repent face only more judgment from God, as the coming parts of Revelation will reveal.

In this chapter, which speaks of both internal and external judgment on Rome for its persecution of God’s people, is a word for all nations.  For those who had eyes to see and ears to hear, here is God’s warning to Roman Empire that no nation will stand forever, especially if that nation disregards God. Herschel Hobbs points out that just as human beings have a life cycle (infancy-childhood-adolescence-young adult-middle age-senior adult) so do nations.  The life cycle of nations tends to follow this pattern:

·        hard living & sacrifice

·        conquest & victory

·        prosperity & ease

·        moral & physical decay

·        decline & oblivion

I do not believe that the cycle is inevitable, but it did happen to Rome & has happened to many nations since Rome.  And to me at least, the cycle is apparent in our nation.

·        colonialzation/revolution

·        conquering of continent

·        industrial revolution

·        Now is a time of moral and physical decay

·        Future will be decline and oblivion if we don’t change course

Revelation Study - Session 10

Revelation Study – Session 10

Dr. Larry Reynolds

Revelation is a drama presented in seven acts.  Except for the first and the last act, each of the seven acts has seven parts.  In this session we come to the end of the second act in the drama (the breaking of the seven seals) and the beginning the third act (the sounding of the seven trumpets).  The scene standing behind this great drama is the perfect Lamb of God taking the book of God’s judgments from the right hand of God and breaking the seals on the book to reveal God’s judgments on His enemies and the enemies of His people.  The main purpose of Revelation was to give assurance to the suffering Christians of the 1^st century and to Christians of every century that God has not forgotten or abandoned them.

In chapter 6 saw opening of the first six seals the great judgments of God revealed.  Chapter 6 ends with a question of despair: “Who is able to stand?”  Chapter 7 is a brief interlude that answers that question.  In chapter 7 are two visions – God’s people in this world and the next world.  That’s who will stand!  Now in chapter 8 the seventh seal is broken.  It’s a transitory seal, bridging gap between seven seals of chapter 6 and seven trumpets of chapters 8 & 9.  The seventh seal introduces the seven trumpets, which in turn reveal more to us about God’s judgments in human history. 

When this seventh seal was opened John saw three things.

1.      A period of silence in heaven

When you were a child – light fuse of a firecracker – watch it burn down out of sight – stand in nervous anticipation waiting the explosion – when it comes, no matter how prepared you think you are – you jump!  Something of the way John must have felt!  The first six seals accompanied by much noise:

Seals 1-4 – thunderous voice saying “come”

Seal 5  - Cries of those martyred for Christ

Seal 6  - Sounds of a great earthquake, sky splitting, mountains & islands moving

However, the seventh seal was opened, and all of heaven became deathly quiet for approximately half an hour.  What is the significance of this period of silence?  No one knows for sure.  Several ideas:

(1)   Symbolic of delayed judgment – Judgment is coming; it is sure; it is certain; but it will come in God’s own time (same idea brought out in 7:1-3)

(2)   A period of calm before the storm – Some see the purpose of this silence as magnifying the intensity and terror of judgment

(3)   A literary device for dramatic impact – John had already seen the instruments, demands, terror, and provision for judgment.  Now even the hosts of heaven are silent, anxiously awaiting to see what’s next

(4)   An indication that God is listening to His people – Barclay – “The prayers of the saints are just about to go up to God; and it may be that the idea in that everything in heaven halts so that the prayers of the saints may be heard… Here, indeed, is a wonderful thought.  Even the music of heaven, even the thunder of revelation is stilled, that God’s ear may catch the whispered prayer of the humblest of His praying and trusting people.”

While it may appear to be a copout, I agree with Herschel Hobbs when he says there is truth in all these positions.  Maybe the best view is a combination of them all.  Certainly this period of silence sets the stage for what is to follow.

2.      Seven angels taking seven trumpets

That the seven angels were standing before (or in the presence of) God.  Tells two things about them:

(1)   Enjoyed a special privilege – In oriental court only most favored servants were allowed to be in the presence of the king continuously

(2)   Readiness for service – They were constantly waiting the commands of the king

This is a reminder of our standing before God.  We have special relationship (privilege) but the purpose of that relationship is service to the King!

The angels were each given a trumpet.  In both O.T. & N.T. the trumpet is always the symbol of God’s intervention in history.  A trumpet blast can mean at least three things and each of them are indicative of the kinds of missions on which God may send His people in the world today.

(1)   It can sound an alarm – God is always calling His servants to warn the world of the dangers of sin

(2)   It can announce the arrival of royalty - We are the heralds of God’s breaking into history through His son.

(3)   It can be a summons to battle – God’s people are continually summoned to join the battle between truth/falsehood, light/dark, forces of god/forces of evil

3.   An angel with a censer burning incense to God

This scene is designed to give assurance to suffering Christians that their prayers are heard by God.   The prayers of the saints rise as an incense to God.  Psalm 141:2 – “May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.”  There are two beautiful truths about prayer in this scene want you to see:

(1)   Prayer is like a sacrifice to God

                                                                        i.      The picture of prayer rising to God surrounded with the perfume of incense is a reminder that it is the greatest sacrifice we can offer.

                                                                       ii.      We have nothing else to offer!  Even though God wants us to give material possessions, that’s not so much for God’s sake (He already owns the world) as ours!

                                                                     iii.      The very best that we can give God is ourselves humbled before Him in prayer!

                                                                     iv.      Psalm 51:16-17 – “For Thou dost not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it.  Thou art not pleased with burnt offerings.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”  Prayer is a sacrifice!!

(2)   Prayer gets results

                                                                        i.      Angel took coals from the altar and threw them to earth.  The result was thunder, lighting, and earthquake – the signs of judgment.

                                                                       ii.      Idea is the prayers of the saints brought vengeance and destruction on those who persecuted, mistreated them, and were the enemies of God and His people

Double picture of prayer – rising like incense to God/ unleashing the vengeance of God on those who persecute God’s people…

It’s interesting that each of the three things John saw in this vision can have a double meaning.

Silence

(1)     Impending doom and judgment

(2)     God’s complete control of universe

Trumpets

(1)   Announcement of terror/invasion

(2)   Announcement of victory/joy

Prayer Being Answered

(1)          Expression of God’s vengeance

(2)          Expression of God’s trustworthiness to answer

Which meaning we see depends on our relationship with God.  If we relate to Him in faith those pictures become scenes of hope.  If we relate to Him in fear these become scenes of judgment

Beginning with verse 7, one by one the angels sound their trumpets and more incredible scenes parade across the stage of this great drama.  In his classic work The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,  Edward Gibbon points out that three great things combined to overthrow the Roman Empire:  natural disaster, internal rottenness, and external invasion.  Each of those things are paraded across the stage of this drama as the trumpets are blown:

• Trumpets 1-4 – God’s judgment through natural disaster…
• Trumpet 5 – God’s judgment through internal rottenness…
• Trumpet 6 – God’s judgment through external invasion…
• Trumpet 7 – Transition to the next series of signs…

 

I think the first four trumpets are designed to remind us that God sometimes warns and judges the world through nature.  Ancient man divided the world of nature into four categories – land, sea, fresh waters, heavenly bodies.  In this vision each of these four division of nature become the objects of judgments and warnings.  Ray Summers,  “This should not be looked upon as a prediction of literal events which are to take place and destroy one third of everything.  It is simply a picture of God’s warning judgments sent upon wicked men.”  Those who take a strong futurist view of Revelation would disagree with that.  They see in these trumpets future events that occur during the tribulation period when they say the church is no longer in the world.  Such an interpretation, while interesting, makes all this meaningless to the Christians in John’s day to whom this book was sent.  As go through the first four trumpets, will attempt to share briefly what futurist see in the event and what those who approach Revelation from historical background perspective see in the event.

(1)   First Trumpet (8:7)

·        Historical background – Represents God’s judgment on the land, vegetation, humanity’s main source of livelihood in Rome and elsewhere…in other biblical passages:

“hail” – sudden judgment; unexpected

“fire” – wrath of God

“blood” – death, both spiritual and physical

Image seems to be drawn from the plague of hail in Exodus 9:23-26…

· Futurist – Nuclear war…fire raining from heaven…much of earth destroyed…

(2)   Second Trumpet (8:8-9)

· Historical background – Volcanic eruption which cast a large blazing mountain in the sea, turning 1/3 to blood, killing 1/3 creatures, sinking 1/3 ships (can identify because of Mt. St. Helens).  Both fishing and shipping were vital parts of Rome’s economy.  This signals God’s judgment on another aspect of nature – the sea…seems be drawn at least in part from plague in Exodus 7:20-24 where Nile River is turned to blood…

· Futurist – Hal Lindsey sees nuclear attack aimed at large naval armada which destroys vast amounts of marine life…

(3)   Third Trumpet – Giant star (perhaps a meteor) fell from heaven on a third of the fresh waters.  It was called “wormwood”, a bitter drug typifying divine judgment.  Those who drank the water made bitter by the poisonous star died. 

·        Historical background - Symbolizes God’s judgment on and through another aspect of nature – fresh water…brings to mind the first of the Egyptian plagues in Exodus 7…

·        Futurist – Hal Lindsey contends this caused by some kind of nuclear weapon (dirty bomb?) that is used purposefully to contaminate water supplies…

(4)   Fourth Trumpet – A third of all the heavenly luminary bodies are darkened…

·        Historical Background - Signals God’s judgment on and through the fourth aspect of nature – heavenly bodies…brings to mind the plague of darkness on Egypt in Exodus 10…

·        Futurist – Hal Lindsey speculates caused by light reduction caused by particles in air left from nuclear holocaust…

All of these trumpets picture natural calamity as one of the means God uses as an agent of destruction against His enemies.  Certainly was true in the case of Rome.  Want to share brief passage from Ray Summer’s book, Worthy is the Lamb…(read from pages 156-157)

That’s what these first four trumpets meant to the first century readers.  But what can they mean to us?  Two points of application

 

·        God is a God of mercy as well as judgment

These trumpets are certainly reminders that human wickedness does not go unnoticed in heaven.  God has His own way/time of dealing with it.  However, underlying all of that is the idea that God would rather forgive than judge, show mercy than judgment.  In each case only a third is affected – vegetation, sea, fresh water, heavenly bodies.  This is a symbol that this judgment is not complete.  God is still giving people a chance to turn to Him in repentance and faith.  That’s a basic theme throughout the Bible.  God would much rather love than condemn.  God would much rather accept men than to reject men.  That’s what II Peter 3:9-10 says.  “The Lord is … patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

 

·        Natural Disasters should remind all people that God has the power to judge

Whenever we hear of earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes should remind us of the power and scope of God’s judgment.  This kind of warning available to all people – regardless of status, education, location.  Paul said it this way in Romans 1:  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

Chapter 8 ends in rather strange way – eagle flying through heaven pronouncing threefold woe on those “who dwell on the earth”…eagles were consider omens of danger to ancient people…the word ”dwell” carries idea of being settled…next trumpets are directed, not toward nature, but toward people… directed specifically toward those who have forgotten the temporary, transitory nature of this world.  Hopes, dreams, plan, and thoughts centered on earth.  Lost their heavenly vision.