At this point, the sixth angel sounded, or blows the trumpet that was given to him. John also hears a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the 6th angel, "Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates"
These four angels ( who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year ) were released, and it was to kill a !/3 of mankind. Imagine that, one third of earth's remaining population is now about to be killed.
Without any introduction, or explanation, John now talks about this army of 200 million horsemen. John says, "I heard the number of them" which I assume means that someone, told him how many there were in this army.
John goes on to describe those who sat on the horses, and the horses. The horsemen had very colorful breastplates, and the horses heads were like the heads of lions. And, out of the horse's mouths, came 3 things. Fire, smoke, and brimstone.
It was by or through these 3 plagues that 1/3 of mankind was killed. That is from the fire, the smoke and the brimstone.
The power was in the mouths and the tails of the horses. Their tails were like snakes, having heads, and it was by them, that they did harm.
The remaining 2/3rd's who were not killed by the fire, the smoke and the brimstone, are said to "not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear, nor walk"
Finally, John says, neither did they "repent of their murders, or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts"
What to make of all this..........
1. It's true, whether we understand it or not.
2. God's Word is true.
3. John is describing things he had never seen before.
4. God continues to control each and every event.
5. Terrible destruction of unheard of numbers take place.
6. Imagine every third person you know being killed.
7. Man will not be able to protect himself against these plagues.
8. The army could be demons, or demon possessed men.
9. Certainly, there will be huge demonic activity in one way or another.
10. Repentance is possible, but not chosen by the survivors at this point.
Some further and final thoughts for reflection, and application.
1. God is telling us in advance of what He will do.
2. This is called prophecy.
3. This day will not overtake the children of God.
4. We are not appointed to wrath but to obtain salvation.
5. See Rom 5:8, and 1st Thessalonians 5:8
6. In reading all of this, what should it do to us, or in us, or for us?
7. Perhaps, it's to motivate us now, to be instruments of service to Jesus Christ.
8. And, to make sure the good news of salvation is known far and wide.
9. God does use those who make themselves available to Him.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
