The Action Resumes. Reluctantly?

The Book that Promises a Blessing!

A study of the book of Revelation

by Pastor Frank Rice

Revelation 8:1-13

Sometimes you have the privilege of choosing job assignments that fit your “likes.” But no doubt, some of the tasks and duties you’ve been given have turned out to be less that enjoyable! Some may have been downright onerous and odious! When carrying out these kinds of assignments we may pause and wish there were some other way it could be done, or someone else to do it! Then we “suck it up” and do what needs to be done. Action in Revelation had “paused,” but now the inevitable had to move forward! This will not be pleasant for anyone. But it had to be done!

 

v      Judgment had begun in chapter six as the four horsemen of the apocalypse are sent forth to carry out their assignments on earth!

 

v      We hear the imprecatory (intercessory?) prayers of the martyrs followed by sights of unprecedented cataclysmic cosmic disasters.

 

v      Judgment is paused momentarily as 144,000 Jewish men on earth are sealed to protect them from the upcoming judgments.

 

v      The singing of the redeemed in heaven resounds as they’ve been saved, then died from the horrendous plagues of the tribulation.

 

v      Now we observe “a moment of silence” in heaven (v. 1). This is awe-fully unusual and unexpected! Heaven’s been a noisy place with all the singing & praising! Why the silence? We’re often surprised by sudden eerie silence.

1.      Is God somewhat reluctant to carry out well-deserved destruction on earth-dwellers (Ezek 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9)?

2.      Is this unanticipated pause to prepare for upcoming prayers to be heard? (Let’s pray... shhh.)

3.      Is this an indicator of fear and ominous dread, like a surgeon stepping from the OR, a supervisor entering the break room, or jury foreman entering to make a statement?

4.      God’s people should pray that His will be done perfectly, completely, and unreservedly (Matt 6:9-10).  May His name no longer be profaned, trivialized

 

v      Seven specific angels were each given a trumpet (v. 2). These angels stand in the place of power, dignity, and preparedness for service.

1.      Trumpets were used to call God’s people to war, to worship, or to celebrate; or to warn of impending invasion or judgment.

2.      Trumpets facilitated the fall of Jericho’s walls, created panic in the enemy camp, and announced the Jewish New Year and the coronation of a king!

3.      It is obvious that God is the one who has given these trumpet assignments to His angels; He coordinates and controls.

 

v      Another “priest-angel” arrives to assist in the intercession-prayers of God’s people (vv. 3-4). [This is likely linked to Rev 6:10.]

1.      He approaches the altar with a golden censor and is given incense to place upon the coals on his censor.

2.      His objective was to present prayers, like the pleasing aroma of incense, before the throne of God! (Picturesque!)

3.      The smoke of the incense, carrying the prayers of God’s people, ascended to Him… and the answer was on its way.

v      The angel returned to the altar for a different assignment (vv. 5-6).

1.      He placed fire on his censor and hurled it to the earth! We’re only informed of the act, not the impact. We can only imagine!

2.      John heard unidentifiable noises and the crashing of thunder. He saw flashes of lightning and sensed the earth shaking.

3.      Evidently, this was in preparation for the sounding of the seven trumpets and the series of judgments they would introduce.

 

v      The sounding of angel #1 causes fires across earth (v. 7).

1.      Each of these judgments would remind those familiar with the OT of the ten plagues that completely devastated Egypt!

2.      Those plagues and these judgments had similar objectives, to expose the impotence of false gods, to exalt the incomparable omnipotence of the God of the Bible.

3.      These “acts of God” create awe and confidence in the hearts of God’s people and bring outsiders to repentance and faith.

4.      Hail, fire, and blood is hurled to the earth and burns up vegetation resulting in “ecological and economic disaster of unprecedented proportions!” (Wiersbe)

 

v      The sounding of angel #2 results in massive but partial destruction of oceanic life and commerce (vv. 8-9)! The beaches around the world are covered with the stench of debris and death.

 

v      The sounding of angel #3 produces similar results on freshwater areas leaving bitterness, sorrow, and death in its wake (vv. 10-11).

  

v      The sounding of angel #4 affects the ability of the heavenly bodies to function normally (vv. 12-13). This impacts all earth-dwellers (Isa 13:10; Ezek 32:7-8; Joel 2:31, 3:14-16)!

1.      The trumpet judgments being partial (1/3) is evidence of God’s mercy (v. 12). The extended time is further indication of God’s desire that men should come to repentance.

2.      Another angel announces in heaven the horror that awaits the sounding of the trumpets of the remaining angels (v. 13).

 

The Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish. Why is man so obdurate (John 3:17-18)!?!