Revelation 9:1-21
Okay, Revelation buddies! We are on chapter 9 today – sorry for the long pause over the weekend!
👉 Fifth trumpet (v 1-6)
• a star fell from heaven to earth [this is Satan – Luke 10:18]
• he was given the keys to the bottomless pit
• he opened the shaft to the pit; smoke rose and darkened the sun
• from the smoke came locusts with the power of scorpions
• told not to harm grass, plant, or tree
• could only harm those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads [remember God’s people had been sealed in Revelation 7:3]
• allowed to torment for five months [notice that Satan was “given the key” and was only “allowed” five months – God is still in control]
👉 Sixth trumpet (v 13-18)
• four angels are released
• to kill 1/3 of mankind
• three plagues: fire, smoke, sulphuric
👉 The two thirds of mankind not killed by the plagues (v 20-21):
• did not repent
• did not give up worshipping idols
Imagine – these people watching mankind (those not sealed) being tormented for five months and then 1/3 of them killed by plagues and still not repenting or giving up their idols.
Aren’t we a stubborn, hard hearted bunch at times? How often do we see someone suffer from addiction, families broken by adultery, relationships devastated by deception – and, yet, we think we can play with those fiery things and not get burned. We think it could never be us.
Lord, soften our hearts and give us wisdom.
Happy Wednesday, friends.
