THE CALM BEFORE THE CHAOS

In previous chapters of Revelation, scenes in heaven were of praise and worship to our Savior. However, chapter eight begins with the final seal being broken and silence in heaven for about thirty minutes. The silence signifies the seriousness concerning what is about to happen. There were no sounds, no movement, just a hush.

Then seven trumpets are given to seven angels. In biblical times trumpets were made from a ram’s horn and were used for: worship, a call to war, warning of danger, proclaiming festivals, beginning pilgrimages, installing new kings, the assembling of the people and judgment.

Before the first trumpet is blown, John is shown the effects of the praying tribulation converts. He sees another angel offering up the prayers of converts with incense upon a golden altar which stood before the throne of God. Commentators believe these convert’s prayers requested deliverance and vindication from their enemies. In response, this angel, who also had a golden censer, fills it with the fire off the altar and hurls it down to earth in judgment.

As believers, please know there is a sweet smell that accompanies our prayers as they ascend before God. No doubt, this is one of the reasons the devil loves prayerlessness and attempts to prevent us from realizing the power of our prayers. The devil knows prayer is God’s plan for people to communicate with Him. Thus, prayer accomplishes God’s purpose and gives Him pleasure. Also, the devil knows the destination of our prayers, and he tries to hinder our prayers from being answered. Our prayers may be delayed, but they are answered as seen in this chapter of Revelation.

The next occurrences are voices, thundering, lightening, and another earthquake, which are the prelude for the trumpet judgments. The first four trumpet judgments affect the environment, and the last three affect people. Also, the first three trumpets judgments affect a third part of the land and waters; while the fourth affects the whole world.

Keep reading this blog to learn about the trumpet judgments.