The seals were being opened, when an interlude of sorts takes place. See Chapter 7.
But, now the seals continue to be opened, and the last of the seven is opened, and the events that follow are recorded for us here in chapter 8.
1. Silence takes place. For about a half an hour.
2. John then see the seven angels who stand before God.
3. Seven trumpets were given to the seven angels.
4. Another angel who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar ( this is part of heaven, this altar and temple as it were )
5. This angel was given much incense, and was to offer it, along with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before God Throne,
6. The smoke from the incense along the prayers of God's people ascended before God from the angels hand.
7. At this point, the angel takes the censer, and he fills it fire from the altar, and he threw it to the earth. The result on earth, includes noises, lightnings, and an earthquake
8. The seven angels now readied themselves to blow the trumpets they had.
9. Four of the angles sounded. And, then, there was hail, and fire, that were mingled with blood, and they were all thrown to the earth as well. The result, 1/3 of the trees on earth were burned up, and all green grass was burned up
10. When the second angel sounded, or blew the trumpet given to him, it was like a great mountain that was burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and 1/3 of the sea became blood. And, 1/3 of all the living creatures in the sea died, and 1/3 of the ships in the sea were also destroyed.
11. Next, the third angel sounded, and as he did, a great or large star fell from heaven, and it was like a burning torch, falling into the 1/3 of the rivers and springs of water upon the earth.
12. This star that fell has a name, it's called Wormwood. 1/3 of the waters upon the earth became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. Wormwood in Scripture is a symbol of calamity, and sorrow. The star that falls into the waters makes the water unfit for human consumption.
13. The fourth angel now sounds, and 1/3 of the sun is struck, a 1/3 of the moon, and a 1/3 of the stars were also affected, so that they became darkened. For 1/3 of the day, it was dark, there was nothing shining, and it was also dark at night.
14. Lastly here in this chapter, as John looks, he hears an angel flying through the midst of heaven, and he was saying with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts about to come from the trumpets ( 3 more to go at this point ) "
Some thoughts in reflection and for application.
1. The Lord has told us all through the Bible that this time that is coming will indeed be so terrible, and that there has never been anything like it, nor will there ever be anything like it beyond this point. It is the great tribulation. A horrible time of death and destruction. It's chilling to say the least.
2. The Lord is the one who is bringing this about from heaven. As He opens the seals, this is the 7th one, there is then the corresponding events taking place on earth. This is the "wrath of the Lamb of God" Jesus is the savior now, but, He will become the judge of the earth at this point.
3. Perhaps the silence that takes place, is like what we call "the calm before the storm" It may be that all heaven realizes in this moment, what is about to take place on the earth. And, it's so terrible to consider, that no one speaks. It's too awesome.
4. No one on earth will escape these judgments. The trees, the seas, the grass, the springs of water, the living creatures in the sea are affected. 1/3 are affected. This is now in addition to the 1/4 of earth's population that were destroyed before the interlude, there in chapter 6. So, 1/4 of men die, and now 1/3 of the creatures in the sea die. But, in addition, the 1/3 of earths grass, trees, sea, springs etc, are affected.
5. We all are very comforted in trusting the promises from God throughout the Bible. What's happening in Rev is also the accomplishment of God's previous promises to bring judgements on the earth. He will do what He has said He will do.
6. We as Christians have the comfort and hope of knowing that we are not appointed to go through this time. See Rom 5:8, and 1st Thess 5:8. It's very clear in the Bible that Christians are not destined to go through this time.
7. May the Lord constrain us by His love, to use the time we do have on the earth to redeem the time, and let our light shine, and to see others come to salvation. Jesus said, that no one can work at night, and that we are to work while it is yet day. Let's work.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
