November 28, 2006
To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.
Prayer:
Omnipotent Father, You hold the destiny of the universe in Your hands. I realize that You are a just God as well as a loving God. Because of Your holiness, You must punish and abolish sin and those who refuse Your Lamb. Your warnings to us are as real as Your promises. Help me to live according to my beliefs and to allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through me to the lost and dying in my community. In His precious name, I pray. Amen.
Introduction:
Have you ever been in a crowded room full of commotion? Without warning, a breath of solemnity sweeps the atmosphere and silences everyone. Anticipation grips you. And you wait for something extraordinary to take place.
The Lesson:
In the previous chapter, a wonderful celebration of praise incorporates all creatures in heaven. Then, John witnesses the Lamb of God opening the seven seal. When He does, a breath of solemnity sweeps the atmosphere and silences the celebration. This silence is one of expectation. All heaven awaits the judgment of God. Saints have offered their prayers. Now, the Lord is about to answer those requests.
John says everything stopped in heaven for about a half-hour. Whether this is a literal time span marked by an earthly sundial or just an expression to give us an idea of the brevity of it, we cannot be certain. However, it is a relatively short time in comparison to eternity, but noteworthy.
Seven angels are given seven trumpets. Matthew 24:31 records Jesus’ words concerning the Lord giving His angels trumpets to sound at this time. Exodus 19:13, Leviticus 25:19, and Number 10:1-9 coupled with other Old Testament passages denote the usage of trumpets and their significance throughout Israel’s history.
U The call to assembly to receive instruction, to worship, and to celebration
U The call to war
U The call to anoint the king or to announce victory.
U Compare the events of Joshua chapter six with this. In Joshua, we read of the victory at Jericho. Seven priests with seven trumpets lead the processional around Jericho for seven days. On the seventh day, they gave a great blast and the walls of the great city crumbled. Many events, celebrations, and instruments in the Old Testament foreshadow that which is to come.
Another angel holds the golden censer and places the incense on the altar. This was the duty of the High Priest (Exodus 30:7-10). The implication refers to Jesus performing one of His duties as our High Priest. These are also foreshadows of heavenly events.
After offering the incense, Jesus in His role as High Priest fills the censer with fire and hurls it toward the earth. This event also describes one of the rituals performed by the High Priest as recorded in Leviticus 16:11-13. Paul speaks of this event in II Thessalonians 1:7-8: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
These things are accomplished in preparation for the events to come. Note the similarity of these seven judgments and the plaques on Egypt in Exodus chapters 7-11. (More foreshadowing).
Verses 7 the first trumpet:
U Hail and fire mingled with blood destroys 1/3 of all vegetation causing a shortage of food. This event correlates with the third horse of chapter six
U Some theologians claim this applies to government denoting the fall of a third part of great men and common people alike. Whether this represents a literal storm, the apostasy of the church, war, much will be lost. The problem of this and the rest of the trumpets representing the church consists of the fact that the church has been removed. It could represent the difficulty believers will endure during the tribulation period.
Verses 8-9 the second trumpet:
U A great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea and the sea became blood
U Applying this to government—the mountain symbolizes a great world leader. The sea in Scripture often refers to a vast amount of people rather than a body of water
U Whether this passage is meant to be taken literally or symbolically, a tremendous amount of blood will be shed and will flow as a river. Again, remember the plaques of Egypt. It is entirely possible for God to turn water into blood as a reminder of the world’s refusal to be washed in the blood of the Lamb
U Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast. Wine represents His blood in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Now, we acquire the knowledge of the foreshadowing. When Jesus addresses His bride at the wedding feast, another miracle takes place—changing water into blood.
Verses 10-11 the third Trumpet:
U A star fell from heaven by the name of Wormwood
U The bitterest herb known, wormwood paralyzes and kills. As a reminder of the bitter herb Jesus was given on the cross, Wormwood will infect the water and all will taste its bitterness. The Old Testament Passover pictured this. It is practiced to this day by faithful Jews during their annual celebration to remind them of their ancestors’ bondage
U The political implication points to the fall of a great world leader or spiritual leader. The ones in positions to refresh nations and souls are the ones who contaminate
U True believers will remain pure in doctrine. Jesus said, For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. (Matthew 24:24). Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have discernment into spiritual matters, which the world cannot receive. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:26). Jesus also tells us that the world does not know the Holy Spirit (John 14:17).
U Infected by poisonous doctrines and laws, many souls are bitter and dying without realizing it. Those who claim all you have to do is believe in Jesus Christ and you shall be saved have polluted the living water of the gospel. Wait! Isn’t that a direct quote from Acts 16:31? Yes, it is. BUT it is taken out of context. All Scripture is clear that without a repentant heart there is no forgiveness. Salvation comes to those who confess their sins and trust in the Lamb’s shed blood for redemption. Tolerance is the Wormwood that has infected the pure fountain of living water
U The very thing, which should bring refreshment and life, brings sickness and death.
Verse 12 the fourth trumpet:
U One third of the sun, stars, and moon cease to shed their light upon the earth
U The political and spiritual implications are obvious in this passage as well. Those who should bring the light of truth to the vast multitude fail to have the light shining in and through themselves. How can they bring light to the lost?
Verse thirteen the warning of more calamity to follow:
The previous judgments seem horrendous. But, John sees an eagle fly through heaven shouting, “Woe, Woe, Woe to the inhabitants of the earth.” The next three trumpets sound even more horrific calamity upon the earth.
It is possible to accept these judgments as both literal and symbolical. All of life has meaning in both the temporal and eternal realm.
Conclusion and Challenge:
As winter approaches, daylight subsides, the sky reflects a grey haze, and darkness seems to prevail. Because of the lack of sunshine, many people suffer from depression during this dismal season. Suicide peaks on New Year’s Eve.
What can we do about it? Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14a and 16b). Your works will not save you from the coming judgment, but they may have an impact on someone else bringing them to salvation. The knowledge of the great tribulation should fill us with compassion and concern for our neighbors. Taking care of physical needs often opens doors to spiritual ones. However, many meet these temporal concerns without attempting to enter the realms of the eternal needs. Let’s not fall short. Matthew 28:19-20 says to teach all people about Jesus Christ. If all our efforts don’t point to Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we labor in vain.
Prayer Requests:
Jimmy, Sonny, Shirley & Ryan, Gary, Jo, Barb, Bob, Melinda & Barry and family, Phyllis and husband, Don, John, Ray, Conner, Elizabeth, Mary, Irene, Jace, salvation for unsaved, April, Tony and Kathy, Carl and Thelma, Ann, Oscar, Pauline, revival—In our hearts, in our churches, and in our communities, cancer victims, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Wayne and April are expecting their first baby April 2007. Congratulations.
Anita’s Daughter-in-law received a good report from her doctor.
Samantha wrist healed after a long summer of treatments.
Elizabeth is home from the hospital and able to stay in her own home.
Ray and Ginny will be pastoring a church in Brookville. Praise the LORD for answered prayer.
I had the great pleasure of hearing the testimony of one of my loved ones who is now saved. WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Next Weeks Study:
Our next Bible Study is December 5, 2006. Read Chapter 9, the fifth and sixth trumpets blast.
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. Nevertheless, in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. Tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests at twosmallfish@verizon.net. Be sure to put today’s Bible study in the subject line or I may delete it unopened.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda Hendricks.
You turned
my mourning into dancing
You stripped me of my sorrow and clothed me with your joy
I cannot be silent, I will sing Your praises forever. Psalms 30:11&12
(paraphrased by me)
