SCRIPTURE: Revelation 9
OBSERVATION:
The seals represent the unfolding of history between Jesus’ first and final coming. The seventh seal is the last day, the great day of judgment.
Until that day, the effects of evil are being held back, restrained. This is very important: we have unleashed evil in this world, and if God were not restraining it, it would be hell beyond imagination; we think it’s bad now! When the 7th seal is opened, God allows evil to be released. The 7 trumpets and the 7 bowls represent the final months when humanity will be allowed to do whatever it wants – and it won’t be pretty. Again, the purpose of this time is to lead people to repentance… but those who refuse will miss their last chance [9:20-21]. Everything God allows is designed for this one purpose, to lead people to see the ugliness of sin, and to turn back to God in humility for mercy. And He is glad to offer it, for those who seek it!
APPLICATION:
The Lord does not delight in evil. We introduced evil into the world, we are responsible for it. If it wasn’t for His hand holding it back, things would be so much worse (can you imagine that?).
The Lord is restraining and guiding all things, including sin and suffering, to lead me to admit my need for Him, and the ugliness of selfishness, greed, cruelty, lust, anger, revenge, etc. He does not want anyone to perish, He wants everyone to come to Him for life. He is doing everything He can to bring us back, but we must respond.
A day is coming when all hell will break loose, and we will see what this world will look like if everyone gets their wish – to do whatever they want, to be independent of God. This is what is represented by the trumpets and the bowls. And this time will be the last time for people to repent.
Do I make light of sin, do I tolerate the very things that led to Jesus’ suffering and death? Where is He calling me to repent?
PRAYER:
Lord, how little we realize the horrible extent and perversion of sin. How little we appreciate how much You do to help us. How foolish I am in tolerating in my own heart the kinds of things you had to die for. Please convict me, and help me.
The judgements are continuing but God is in control. the fifth trumpet was limited in his destruction. Harm only those with no seal. The next angel was told to kill one third of mankind, yet those who remained did not repent of their evil ways. They continue as before worshipping their own gods, murdering and performing immoral deeds.
Eyes they had but did not see. Ears they had but did not hear. Help me daily to hear You Lord and see You leading, guiding and helping me on my way. May my heart never be hardened but pliable, moldable by Your Spirit used for kingdom purposes and not selfish desires. Help me to read/see You each and every day.
Day of judgment! Day of wonders!
Hark! the trumpet’s awful sound,
Louder than a thousand thunders,
Shakes the vast creation round!
How the summons wilt the sinner’s heart confound!
See the Judge, our nature wearing,
Clothed in majesty divine!
You who long for His appearing
Then shall say, “This God is mine!”
Gracious Savior, own me in that day for Thine!