SCRIPTURE: Revelation 8:1-13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The seals on the scroll have been opened, and at the end of the day, the great multitudes will stand before God for judgment. The last seal (8:1) may represent the final judgment – silence and judgment often go together (Psalm 46:8-10, Isaiah 41:1, Habakkuk 2:20, Zephaniah 1:7, Romans 3:19). I would probably place 8:1 with the previous section, as 7:18, the finale after then opening of the seals.
What follows (v.2ff) is a new vision, now with seven angels and seven trumpets. These seven judgments parallel the previous seven seals, the same ruling authority of the Lamb directing the outcome of history towards the final judgment (11:18-19). I do not see these as linear visions (first seven seals, then seven trumpets, etc.) but as parallel visions (the seven seals (ch.6-7), the seven trumpets (ch.8-11), the seven plagues (ch.15), the seven bowls (ch.16), each vision culminating in the final judgment and victory of the lamb.
The point of these multiple visions is to repeatedly reveal that the events of history are all part of the plan. No matter how we interpret the details, the main point is clear. This is God’s plan, the Lamb is in charge, the angels of God are the agents of God’s unfolding judgment.
I have never been interested in dissecting the details of the book of Revelation (many still mystify me), but when I read the book as symbolic visions of the plan of history, I find great comfort in the main point: God is in control, its all working out according to plan, the Lord will be victorious in the end! This is the blessing I receive from reading this book.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the assurance that no matter what happens, it all fits into Your purpose and plan. When things get tough or complicated, help me to rest in this assurance, and not try to figure out the details. Amen.
What stood out to me in this passage was found in verse 4:
“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”
Wow, its amazing just thinking about visualizing my prayers before the presence of God.
The “prayers of the saints” … these prayers of his children are precious to God. A sweet aroma, a fragrance to Him.
I will continue to send my Lord my thoughts, struggles, prayers for those around me that need His Spirit’s rebirth in their lives and in my life as well.
The half hour of silence would be a long time, especially after the previous happenings of the six seals. The anticipation, anxiety, mind wanderings would make those 30 minutes seem like an eternity.
Prayer once again is an essential ingredient as the prayers of the saints went up before God. Yet God’s judgement came upon the people with His holy presence by the thunder, flashes of lightning, earthquake. Just as the people at Mount Sinai, this would bring fear, not worthy to be in His presence feelings. Yet in Christ Jesus all things are possible.
The trumpets brought destruction upon the creation/environment. Yet that which was to come was to be worse as proclaimed by the eagle.
How do I read Jesus in the events of today? How do I see God at work today. As I see the angels bringing His Word of judgement to His creation . . . I find this passage difficult. Even though I deserve God’s judgement upon myself, I will continue to stand on the promise of Jesus Christ Who is my All in All.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.