At the end of Revelation chapter, eleven John is once again given a glimpse of heaven. As the final woe starts, an angel sounds the seventh trumpet, and John hears great voices in heaven, declaring the sovereignty and reign of Christ.
He sees the twenty-four elders worshipping God and thanking Him for the reign of Christ, His righteous judgment of the nations, and His reward to believers.
The chapter closes with John seeing the ark (which represents God covenant with His people) in the heavenly temple.
Similar to the closing of the seventh seal judgment, there are thundering, lightning, hail, and an earthquake. I think the elements are trying to alert earthlings to the disaster that is about to befall them.
Before John discloses the next final set of seven judgments (which are called vial or bowl judgments), he shares information in the following three chapters of Revelation on the main characters and events of the tribulation period. Keep reading future blogs to learn about them.
As I begin to blog on chapter eleven, I must remind you that Revelation is not written chronologically. This particular chapter talks about events and two witnesses that will be living on earth during the first half of the tribulation period.
At the beginning of the tribulation, the Antichrist will make a covenant with the Jews permitting them to build their temple in Jerusalem and offer their sacrifices according to the Mosaic Law. This is why John was told to measure out the temple. During the last forty-two months of the tribulation, which is known as the great tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with the Jews, and he and Gentile persons will desecrate the temple and holy city.
Two witnesses clothed in sackcloth will be God’s ministers assigned to ministry in Jerusalem. The witnesses are also called olive trees and candlesticks. Their actual identity is unknown; however, they perform miracles like those done by Moses in Egypt. Men will fear them for fire proceeds out of their mouth to kill anyone who would bodily threaten them. At the end of their three and a half years’ ministry, God will allow the Antichrist to kill these two witnesses. Their bodies will lie on the street of Jerusalem unburied for three and one-half days while the people who rejected their preaching celebrate over their demise. Then the Spirit of Life re-enters their bodies, and they stand up, causing great fear to come on the onlookers. A great voice from heaven calls to them, and they ascend to heaven in a cloud.
The two witnesses will be ministering during the early stage of the Antichrists’ rise to power. Since his ultimate goal is to be the world dictator, their message is not one that he will receive or desired propagated. He will probably be the instigator behind many attempts to kill these witnesses. I can only imagine during the tribulation as things become more restrictive, and the economy changes, the media broadcasting will come under the influence of the Antichrist. So, when he finally succeeds in the murder of the witnesses, he will feel exhilarated and will have it all blasted on the media for everyone to behold. This is how the world will get to see the death and unexpected resurrection of the witnesses.
Within the same hour of the two witnesses’ ascension, there is a tremendous earthquake in Jerusalem that destroys a tenth part of the city and kills seven thousand men. This finally gets the attention of men, and they begin to praise God.
Between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpet, John sees a gigantic angel descend from heaven with a small open book in his hand and physical attributes that represented: God’s covenant with man, strength and judgment. This angel places his left foot on the earth, his right foot on the sea which denotes authority over the whole earth, and then he cries out with a loud lion roar.
Seven thunders began to talk, and John started to record what they said but then was instructed not to do so. Have you ever been told to hush when it is thundering because God is talking or mad with the world? Well, now we know that thunder talks. Isn’t it amazing to understand the elements have a voice? The creations of God are awesome.
The gigantic angel made an oath to God concerning end time events no longer being delayed and the revelation of the mystery of God (God’s reason for the plan of salvation) being disclosed. I have often wondered why God permitted sin, and since He knows our beginning from the end why He did not just make the earth inhabited with only believers. My questions will be answered, and I am sure you too probably have a few.
John was instructed to take the book from the angel and eat it. It was sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. The word can be easily consumed; however, digesting and applying it is difficult. Also, the thought of the return of Jesus to earth is wonderful, but the events that must take place before his return is gut retching.
Finally, though John is in prison on the Isle of Patmos, he is informed his ministry days are not over; for he has yet to appear before kings and nations of people.
The second woe begins with the sixth angel sounding his trumpet and told to loose the four angels which were bound in the Euphrates River. Because these angels were bound they are part of Satan’s kingdom and in accordance with God’s timetable loosed at His set time.
With the loosing of the angels came a two-million-man military force in a colorfully described armor on horses that were unique in appearance and capability. The horses’ heads were like a lion and they spewed fire, smoke, and brimstone out of its’ mouth. Its’ serpentine tail was capable of also hurting mankind. Thus, these horses were capable of attacking from their front and rear. The destruction and ferocity of these horses are real for the fire, smoke and brimstone killed one-third of the remaining population which means before the seventh trumpet is sounded half of the world’s population will be dead.
What is amazing is the killing of men was done by horses and not other human beings. Commentators question again like the previous judgment whether we should take this judgment as literal or symbolic. Either way, you choose, half of the world population is dead.
Despite all the adverse judgments, men still did not repent from their evil doings, demon worship, idolatry, murders, sorceries, thefts, and fornication. Can you tell me what it will take to open the eyes of men to the error of their ways? Is there anything that will cause them to repent?
As chapter nine begins, the fifth angel sounds his trumpet, and a star (angel) falls from heaven to earth with a key to open up the bottomless pit. In the Bible, the pit is defined as a place of detention, imprisoning chamber, an abyss, a place where evil is shut up and bound. After the pit is open smoke can be seen rising from it to heaven darkening the atmosphere and sun.
Along with the smoke came demon locusts which were given authority to torment the men worldwide that did not have the seal of God in their foreheads for five months. Ordinarily, locusts usually devour all green vegetation in their path; however, these were prohibited from doing so. They could discern humans from vegetation, and their focus was on humans. These locusts were likened to scorpions in their attack; for their tail, which was similar to a scorpion’s tail administered a painful sting that made humans want to die but was unable to do so.
Verses seven through ten gives a vivid description of the locusts, which could be seen as an overwhelming military force. These intelligent creatures were ferocious, attractive, cruel, not easily penetrated, loud, and vociferous.
As I previously stated, there is order in the spirit realm; so the locust had a king named Abaddon or Apollyon, which interpreted means destruction or destroyer. This king was not only king over the locusts, but also the pit.
The first woe is past, and there are two more to come.
As I am writing this blog, my mind is being stretched, and I need to share some thoughts with you.
There has been much discussion, debate, and speculation on Revelation, chapter nine. Questions have been posed on whether the events in these next two judgments are real, or symbolic. I believe that just as we are told of beings in heaven that does not look like us humans, beings are existing and functioning in the spirit realm that we may find hideous.
Sci-fi movies, producers, and writers have already exposed us to creatures from other planets. In these films, we have seen our planet invaded, and our futile attempts to annihilate these invading creatures. Up until the tribulation, this has all been imaginary. What if things are about to change? As seen in many movies, the invisible becomes visible to the horror and surprise of mankind. Remember, during the tribulation, things are not going to be business as usual.
As humans, our reality is limited to this earthly realm. Could it be during the tribulation the earth realm will openly interact with the spirit realm? Whether the demonic host is symbolic of actual military devices, an invading army, or an unseen force as some have assumed all I can say, “Look out world.”
Before the last three trumpets are sounded an angel flies in the mid-heaven declaring, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth.” These three woes are to alert the inhabitants of the seriousness of the events that will shortly take place. The definition of woe is calamity, sorrow, misery, grief. There are three woes which mean things will be intensified by threes.
The next two trumpets judgments take us into the spirit world. As believers, we need to know that there is another realm that is more real than earth. In this realm, there are two kingdoms: God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom. Each of these kingdoms has spirit beings that follow the instruction of their leader. There is a hierarchical system in place, and there are location and role assignments.
In reading the scriptures on the next two trumpets judgments we are introduced to demonic locust that came out of a bottomless pit, an angel that is king over the pit and its occupants, angels that are bound at a specific location, and demonic horses with a lion head and tail like a serpent. All of these things are part of Satan’s kingdom, and from God’s kingdom, we are exposed to a gigantic angel.
Many have questioned if these demonic beings should be taken literal, or are they symbolic? You decide; I will not try to determine what they are but rather share what they will do.
Whereas, the damage done by the opening of the seals was mainly limited to humanity the damage from the trumpets will affect the entire world: the earth, the oceans, fresh waters, heavenly bodies, and humans. Commentators have likened the trumpet judgments to Moses and the plagues of Egypt. Let’s see what you think?
The first angel sounds his trumpet and hail and fire mingled with blood is thrown upon the earth, causing the third part of trees and all green grass to burn up. Thus, vegetation, fruit trees, and products obtained from trees are affected.
The second angel sounds his trumpet and a great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea, causing a third part of the sea to become blood. It is believed the great mountain could be a volcano eruption that will kill a third of the creatures which are in the sea, and destroy a third of the ships that are in the sea. I can only assume that the blood will come from both human and marine creatures that have been touched by this volcano. Water transportation, food, cargo ships, ships of war, marine life are affected.
The third angel sounds his trumpet, and a great star named Wormwood falls upon a third part of the rivers and streams of fresh waters. This star is gigantic for it falls and affects a third part of the rivers and streams. Also, the Wormwood plant that is grown on earth is known to be a bitter extract. This Wormwood star has a similar effect; however, it poisons the waters, causing death to those that consume it. The waters are now polluted, and sanitation has been compromised.
The fourth angel blows his trumpet, and a third part of the sun, moon, and stars became dark. Also, there was no light for a third of the day and night. This means there will be less energy available to support man and nature.
Sci-fi movies often display unbelievable events, but no one could write this script except God. If you think these four trumpets are bad, the next three trumpet judgments are more grievous. Keep reading!
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.
Chapter seven covers three different events in three different locations. First, the chapter begins with a short description of the activities of angels in our atmosphere. We learn angels are territorial and on assignment. They have extraordinary strength for four of them are holding back the four winds from harming the earth. These same angels, when instructed will cause destruction to the environment.
Secondly, on earth, there will be twelve thousand servants of God from each tribe of Israel, totaling one hundred forty-four thousand. Notably missing was the tribe of Dan; however, it was replaced with the tribe of Manasses. The reason why this was done was not given. These servants are sealed on their forehead by an angel, which will supernaturally prevent them from being harmed during their tribulation ministry. Further discussion on these servants will be given in chapter fourteen.
Thirdly, in heaven there will be no ethnic division, social status, or racial prejudice, for we see a great number of people that came out of the great tribulation (the second half of the tribulation) from all nations, cultures, socioeconomic groups praising God together with the four beast, angels and twenty-four elders. The bible says God will meet all the needs of this great multitude of people, and they will not experience any discomfiture.
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