Persecuted for preaching the gospel, around A.D. 95, John was exiled to Patmos, an island on the Aegean Sea where he received a revelation from an angel of Christ.
Previously, Christ spoke to John through a vision that included seven candlesticks which represent the seven churches in Asia; the Loveless Church at Ephesus, the Persecuted Church at Smyrna, the Compromising Church at Pergamos, the Corrupt Church at Thyatira, the Dead Church at Sardis, the Faithful Church at Philadelphia and the Lukewarm Church at Laodicea.
Then, in the vision, Jesus revealed to John the Throne Room of Heaven as well as a scroll, sealed with seven seals which only the Lamb of God was worthy to loosen. Before He open the scroll, the Lamb was praised by all the creatures on the earth and in Heaven, as well as countless angels.
When the first seal was loosen, John saw the anti-christ riding a white horse. Next, the second seal was opened and revealed a rider armed with a sword on a fiery red horse, which meant worldwide bloodshed and inhalation of epic magnitude. When the third seal was loosened, John saw a black horse holding a pair of scales that would bring scarcity on the whole earth. After the fourth seal was loosened, Jesus showed John devastating death that would inflict a quarter or the earth’s population. Then, when the fifth seal was opened, John saw and heard the souls of the Christian martyrs cry for deliverance as each one was sleeping until judgment day. The sixth seal revealed cosmic disturbances and devastation on the earth, while the seventh seal numbered the children of Israel who would be spared by God to one hundred and forty four thousand.
“1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Revelation 8:1)
When the Lamb of God loosened the last seal, the seventh seal, all those in Heaven came to a silence that foretold the destruction to come. John described the heavenly silence as lasting 30 minutes, which is not so much indicative of a specific time period as its meaning. For the entire population of Heaven to come to a combined silence, the nature of it had to be epic.
“2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.” (Revelation 8:2)
Next, John saw seven angels of God who were chosen to sound seven trumpets. Each trumpet would resonate to announce the wrath of God upon the earth, and His judgment to come on those who refused to believe and denied the deity of Jesus, the Christ and Savior.
“3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:3-4)
Then, John saw another angel of God holding a golden censer, which he filled with incense to be burnt as an offering along with the prayers of the saints, those who shed their blood in the name of Jesus, the risen Christ.
“5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.” (Revelation 8:5-6)
After the offering, the angel filled the censer with fire from the altar, then covered the whole earth with the judgment of God, inflicting pain and suffering throughout the world. What comes next is the sounding of the seven angels’ trumpets, and worldwide devastation. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through your revelation delivered by your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
