Revelation 8:1-13
Q.1. How do we know something big is about to happen? What makes these judgments inevitable? What do we learn about the power of prayer? – (Rev.8:1-5)
The breaking of the seventh Seal will give way to seven Trumpet judgments followed by the seven Bowls of Wrath. It will be heralded by – silence in Heaven for about half an hour (Rev.8:1). John was then given an insight into the reason for these judgments – the prayers of the saints (Rev.8:3-4). They await the vindication of God’s righteous judgments against His opponents (c.f. Rev.6:10; 11:17-18; 16:5-7; 18:20; 19:1-2 c.f. 2 Thes.1:6-7). What was revealed to John about the prayers of God’s people is a powerful allegory: (i) The prayers of the saints rise up to the throne of God (Rev.8:3). (ii) Incense must be added to make them acceptable (Rev.8:3 c.f. Jms.4:1-3). (iii) The presented prayers are sent back to bring action upon earth (Rev.8:4-5). Our prayers have enormous power with God.
Q.2. How great will be the impact of these four trumpet judgments? Do catastrophes like this happen today? How do we know that worse is to come? – (Rev.8:6-13)
Four awesome Trumpet judgments were recorded in this chapter. We know that the judgments described in chapter 6 and 8 have not yet occurred because their impact is unavoidable, as from the least to the greatest cry out – … Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (Rev.6:16). The carnage recorded in this chapter is shocking – There came hail and fire mixed with blood (Rev.8:7). Imagine one third of the earth blazing with fire with one third of the trees and grass burned up (Rev.8:7). One third of the sea creatures and ships will be destroyed by something like a massive meteorite (Rev.8:8-9). A burning star will fall from heaven. It will pollute one third of the rivers and springs and make reservoirs as bitter as wormwood (Rev.8:10-11). The next trumpet will usher in a reduction by one third of the sun, moon, and stars both day and night (Rev.8:12). Worse is to come, with the pronouncement of a three-fold Woe to those dwelling on planet earth (Rev.8:13).