Showing posts with label seal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seal. Show all posts

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Rev 8:13, 9:1-12 - Fifth Trumpet And Locusts

Revelation 8:13, 9:1-12 NIV
A great eagle flies in midair calling out "Woe! Woe! Woe!" The last three trumpets are about to sound ushering in even more destruction. The fifth angel sounds the trumpet opening up the Abyss so that locusts ascend upon the earth to afflict those who do not bear the seal of God on their foreheads.

The vision is reminiscent of the plague of locusts that descended upon Egypt (Ex 10:13-15) except that the locusts in Egypt attacked plant-life that was needed to sustain the people and the locusts in John's vision actually attack and torture the people who do not worship the Lord. The locusts will cause so much fear and pain that people would rather die than endure the attack. But, they will not die. Death will elude them.

The vision of these locusts is most unlike the grasshopper-like locusts from Exodus. These locusts are terrifying creatures to see. They look like horses prepared for battle; yet, their faces resemble human faces. They have hair and upon their heads is something like a gold crowns. Teeth like lions' teeth and breastplates like iron make them formidable attackers. It is hard to imagine what these locusts might actually look like or be. They are sent, we are told, by their King Apollyon (Destroyer), who is the angel of the Abyss. We will know exactly what this vision means for us when we see it with our own eyes. Until, then we would do well to remember that even God saved His people from slavery in Egypt; He is with those who love Him today.

The fifth trumpet has sounded and the first woe is passed. But, it is not over. There are more woes to come.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Rev 7: The Multitudes

Revelation 7 NIV

What a vision the multitudes praising God must have been. I cannot wait to see it for myself with my own eyes. That great multitude who have come though the tribulation and have been sealed by God are promised:
"Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (vss. 16-17)

Thanks be to God for salvation belongs to our God and we will live with Him in His kingdom forever!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Rev 6:12-17 6th Seal

Rev 6 12-17 NIV

https://www.facebook.com/JohnArthurPhotography?fref=ts
The sky turned black
and the stars fell to the earth.
Photo: John Arthur Photography
The sixth seal is opened and the earth and skies are shaken. The world as we know is devastated in the face of the wrath of God. Not only are the earth and heavens shaken; but, the people are shaken at the knowledge of the coming of the Lord. They would hide if they could beneath the falling mountains. They would rather be crushed to death than to face the Lord God in the day of His judgment.

John's visions are horrifying to those who do not worship the Lord; to those who know that they have turned their backs on God. There is still time. We know not how much time. Turn to the Lord. Love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and soul and mind. The visions of the end can be terrifying for those who do not worship the one true God. But, for those who do, we know that all things are for the good for those who love Him; for the coming of His Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J