The Reaping Begins

Revelation 14:9-20

Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.  And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.”  So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.”  So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia (about 200 miles).

Three things to take away from Revelation 14.  John’s vision tells us that 1) Eternal fire and sulfur will come upon those who take the mark; 2) Those who kept a faith in the Lord will finally receive their reward; 3) Jesus, coming on a cloud, will bring death to those who remain on the earth, having not recognized God’s omniscience and grace.  

Fire and brimstone preachers for 100’s of years have preached eternal damnation, fire, and endless torment for those who do not believe and follow Jesus Christ.  Today, many would say that was wrong, that these preachers were too judgmental, too condemning,  and pushing people away from the church.  But, in reality, shouldn’t we be telling them the truth?

We are not following Jesus Christ just to avoid Hell, but it is one of the facts we mustn’t avoid discussing.  We follow Jesus Christ because we love God and want to spend eternity with Him.  We follow the good and turn from the evil.  There is a hope in this life that is greater than the evil.  It comes from something greater than what we see before us in this world.  Let us not forget that Satan has been given rule over this world for a time, but that time is finite.  Our hope is our Creator, the One who is in control of all things, even the authority given to Satan..  

God is our eternal hope; Hell is separation from God for eternity.  It’s black and white.  In verse 14, a voice from heaven tells John to write that those who die in the faith will receive the reward of rest in the Lord, and that He sees their deeds and labor.  We are seen by the Almighty.  Our deeds, good and bad, are known, for He is omniscient and sovereign over all things.  It is so critical for each of us to take this as a calling to share with our loved ones and friends, so they may also celebrate in this hope.

Jesus and His angels will bring judgment on the earth, on all of those who have defied God throughout the tribulation.  Despite receiving multiple signs and warnings, they continued to turn from Him.  This refusal will set their eternal destiny, and as much as it hurts, it is a decision they have made through their own free will.  God does not intend that any are lost, but mankind has free will to deny this love.  God doesn’t send anyone to Hell; they choose to be apart from Him, and He will oblige them. 

This reaping will be so great as to create a flowing river of blood for 200 miles (or so) at 5-6 feet deep.  I picture I-45 from Houston to Dallas as a river of blood from those Jesus and the angels will reap with the sickle.  The average person contains approximately 1.3 gallons of blood.  One could imagine that it would be greater than 150 million people to create a river of blood for 200 miles.  We must be diligent in our prayers for those whom we know are not saved.  This reaping will take place, and I, for one, do not want any of my friends or family included.  The days are short, and the harvest is plenty.  We must be busy doing the Lord’s work.

Two Beasts and a Mark

Revelation 13

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads…  One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.  And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”….  Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain….

Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.  It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed….  Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,  so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.  This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Enter into the ring the 2 beasts of Satan.  We have all heard the terms anti-christ and false prophet as they relate to the end of times.  The first beast appears from the sea with 10 horns and diadems (crowns) on them, with 7 heads.  We are told in Daniel 7 that the 10 horns represent a federation between 10 kings, and the 7 horns are 7 mountains on which the beast will stand and rule. He was given authority and power from the dragon, Satan, for 3.5 years of the great tribulation.  This beast is likened to Jesus Christ, having been given authority from the Most High.  This beast is known as the Anti-Christ.  He will blaspheme God and make war on the saints to once and for all conquer them.  He will receive a deadly wound to his head, but will miraculously survive.

The saints referenced here are those who have given their lives to Jesus during this time of the Great Tribulation.  For Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:18, “the gates of hell will not prevail against His church.”  Therefore, the saints that the beast will rain war upon must be those who have committed themselves to Christ after the church had been removed.  For this period of time, those who have not put their faith in Christ will fall down to worship the beast. The saints will be martyred for their beliefs, for not worshipping the beast and Satan.  Satan has ruled over the earth as long as God allows, and he will give this authority to the anti-christ.

The second beast mentioned in Revelation 13 has two horns and speaks like Satan, the dragon.  This beast is the False Prophet and reigns on the earth to lift up the anti-christ, perform miracles, and great signs, and to draw people to the beast.  He deceives the people of the earth to follow and worship the anti-christ, even as far as receiving a mark, on their right hand or forehead, of allegiance to the beast.  We all know this mark as ‘666’, the mark of the beast.

The time will come when man will not be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast.  Man will be forced to take the mark or face death.  The technology exists today to biologically tattoo or implant a chip into the hand or forehead, to allow for buying and selling.  We have seen the increase in chip readers for debit cards, Apple Pay, Smart Pay, and tap pay.  One can envision a time when that technology is simply embedded biologically, so we need not worry about our cards being stolen or lost.  Also, take digital currency as another example of a controlled buying/selling environment.  If all governments got behind digital currency and the physical currency were eliminated, then the governing bodies could determine one’s ability to buy or sell simply through their control mechanisms.

We live in a world where it has become an acceptable norm to blaspheme God without fear of His wrath.  Through movies, social media, music, and the internet, we have normalized the depraved, the sick and twisted, the evil, and the blasphemous.  We idolize those who blaspheme God and don’t think twice about it because it brings us temporary joy.  Musicians and movies that profess Satanism, witchcraft, and idolatry are elevated and lauded for their actions, while the masses pay homage through ticket sales and imitation.  You can’t look at the society we live in and not realize that we are living in the end days.  Satan is alive and well; the beast (anti-christ) and false prophet are not far away, based on the debauchery present in today’s daily walk.  

Is it feasible to happen in our lifetime? Yes, very much so.  But, we are confident to know that God, the Creator of all things, knows exactly where we are and when enough is enough.  His promise is true that He will return to take His church home, and to separate us from the wrath to come.  I put my faith in Him alone and pray for those around me to do the same.  Today, can you think of 5 people in your life to lift up in earnest prayer for God to intervene and bring salvation?  Please take the time to do so now. 

War in Heaven

Revelation 12:7-9

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.  …

War in heaven, yes, in heaven.  So those of you who have thought war was an earthly evil only, now you know.  We must realize that the battle between God and Satan takes place in both heaven and on earth.  

Satan was in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  His attack on mankind was to create confusion between man and God.  In an attempt to draw them away from God and to himself.  Evil has ever since existed in this world.  So, then we draw that Satan had the ability to be in both earth and heaven at that time.  His actions in Genesis 3 to deceive Eve and Adam were a complete betrayal of God, the Father.

We see Satan in the heavenly realm in Job 1:6-12, discussing with God about the loyalty of Job, a follower of God, the Father.  God allows Satan to test Job.  Even here, we see that Satan is subject to God, the Father’s, authority and sovereignty.  But, we draw from this that the war between God and Satan (good and evil) is an enduring battle that has always been and will continue through the end days.

Isaiah 14:12 and Luke 10:18  also reference imagery that represents Lucifer (Satan, Morning Star) falling from heaven.  In a prophetic statement, they are also referring to Satan being removed from the heavenly realms, just as John sees in his vision.  The reign of Satan is on the earth for a time.  That time is finite, and only God knows the day on which it will end.

The red dragon pursued the child to devour it, then pursued the women (nation of Israel), and finally the followers of Jesus Christ (referenced in Revelation 12:16).  We are in this window of time now, but there will come a day when Satan and his evil will be cast completely from heaven forever.  This will come at the end of time, when Jesus Christ will return for one last battle on earth.

We see his evil surrounding us today, and know that it is getting worse with the passing of more and more time.  God is patient, though that more may come to know Him.  But I fear, time is short, and soon we will see these things roll out before us, just as John has said. 

Written in the Stars

Revelation 12

And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on head a crown of twelve stars.  She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.  And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.  His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.  She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to nourished for 1,260 days.

In the coming chapters 12-13-14 John will reveal the next part of his vision in God’s throne room.  This vision will reveal seven signs and the main characters during the Great Tribulation.  The first sign, the Great Sign, in the skies was a woman amongst the cosmic wonders, the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Who is this woman referring to?  Many believe it is a representation of Mary in the stars, pregnant with the Christ child.  Others refer to Old Testament verses in Genesis 37 and believe it represents the nation of Israel, Jacob (Sun), Rachel (Moon), and the 12 tribes.  This is where my belief aligns, as out of Israel will come the Christ child, referred to in verses 4 and 5, who is with God on his throne.

The second sign in the heavens is a great red dragon.  I believe it is obvious that this great fiery red dragon refers to Satan.  The description of the dragon demonstrates the fullness of evil that is represented by Satan’s reign on earth.  Even his power and authority, represented by the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns, are provided by God.  Even though he puts himself in a position of royalty and power, he realizes that the child being born is the true King.  He intended to eliminate the child as soon as it was born, so his reign would continue forever.

Satan, as we recall, was created as Lucifer, an anointed angel in heaven.  He was described in Ezekiel 28 as perfect and beautiful, full of wisdom, covered in precious stones, with high status amongst the angels.  His selfish desires and self-righteousness bring separation from God the Father.  His intent of wanting to be equal or above God caused great conflict in heaven, resulting in Satan being cast from heaven, along with his demons (angelic followers).  Here we see the great fiery red dragon’s tail sweep across the skies and cast 1/3rd of the stars to the earth.  This is a reference to Satan bringing 1/3rd of all the angels in heaven to earth. This aligns very well with Isaiah 14:13-14: “I will ascend to heaven, I will make my throne above the stars of God, I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, and I will make myself like the Most High.  Ezekiel 28 continues on to tell us that Satan (Lucifer) was cast down from the heavens with his followers.  

The male child is none other than Jesus Christ, the Messiah, coming from the nation of Israel to lead all nations back to God.  From Satan’s attempt to use Herod to kill all the children born in Bethlehem, to his temptations of Jesus before he started his ministry, all the way to the cross, where Jesus was crucified and killed, he has pursued eliminating this threat to his own kingship.  Yet, God still comes away victorious, with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension to the right hand of the Father.  Satan and his followers continue to this day to deceive mankind to move away from God and Jesus Christ.

He desires to defeat God and rise above Him through deception, self-gratification, self-righteousness, worldly desires, and all sorts of evil.  His playbook has never changed: pride, greed, love of self, and hate of authority.  It can be seen throughout history, and it is alive and well in today’s world.  He is the author of lies and the accuser of all that is good.  Billions of people have been deceived into refusing the gospel truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.  But, in the end, God will cast Satan into the bottomless pit, the abyss to which only the Son may lock or unlock.  In the end, Satan must abide by the sovereignty and authority of God Almighty.  Though Satan’s temptations tickle our eyes, His eternal plan is filled with pain and death.  Live today in preparation for the eternal plan of life with God, the Father.

7th Trumpet Blows - Introducing the End

Revelation 11:15-19

Then the seventh angel sounded, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”  And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God,  saying, 

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great, 
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” 

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail

With the sounding of the 7th Trumpet, the final day of the Lord will appear with great tribulation and woe to those who remain.  Chapter 19 will tell of the return of Christ on that day and the bloodshed of the remnant.  Those who had been given multiple opportunities to follow the Lord, and to find peace from the wrath of God, but woe to them who refuse, for they will not find rest in the eternal.

The 7th Angel blows the trumpet, and the Lord’s kingdom overcomes the worldly kingdom to reign forevermore.  Again, we see the elders and angels falling before God Almighty with praise and worship.  For He alone is worthy to be praised.  The elders call attention to the Authority and Omnipotence of God.  “..the nations were enraged, Your wrath came….the dead will be judged…time to reward the bond-servants your prophets and saints…those who fear your name…the small and the great…and to destroy the earth.” In Chapter 6, we saw the Martyrs petition God to judge the world and avenge their deaths.  Here in Chapter 11, we see a reference to His actions that will indeed do just that.

John’s vision continues as he is in the Throne room of God, but now includes God’s temple in heaven.  Here we see a reference to the ark of the covenant between God and mankind.  The original ark of the covenant was established between God and Moses to contain the 10 Commandments, Aaron’s Rod, a jar of manna, and resided in the Tabernacle in the Holy of Holies, according to Exodus 25:10.  It was established for the Israelites to follow God’s commandments and to draw near.  Here we see an ark of the covenant in the Temple in heaven.  The new covenant between God and mankind is a covenant in blood.  The blood of Jesus Christ and God’s saving grace through his death and resurrection.  

The ark of the covenant in the Old Testament would go before David (being carried) as a symbol that God is with us in battle, that God is our authority and power.  It was often accompanied by worship, dancing, and praise to the Lord above as it was carried on the shoulders of men.  The new ark of the covenant referenced here in God’s Temple signifies that God once again is going before mankind to lead the way to the battle, and that in only through His power we will overcome the evil in the world.

The great battle between Satan and Christ is coming soon.  Knowing that regardless of the pain and suffering we go through in this life, God is always before us and our protection behind us is comforting.  Evil is becoming much more evident in our daily walk, and although God has expressed much patience in allowing mankind to turn and come back to Him, I fear that we may not have much time before God decides to avenge the righteous and bondservants accordingly.

The Two Witnesses - not Your Average Street Preacher

Revelation 11:1-14

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.  And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.  And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed.  They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.  And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.  For three and a half days, some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.  But after the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.  Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.  And at that hour, there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The second woe has passed; behold, the third woe is soon to come.

In Daniel 9 and 7, we also read of the end-time prophecy of the Great Tribulation upon the earth for 7 years, the end of days.  Daniel’s prophetic vision is for 3.5 years of the 7 years, pointing to the rise of the Antichrist on the earth, and an end to the sacrifices and offerings to the Lord.  In Daniel 7, we read of a 3.5-year (times, time, and ½ time) period where the Antichrist will reign, blaspheming God, and killing His saints.  In Revelation 11, John’s vision is set in this same time window, the end of days.

Revelation 11 points to the temple being trampled for 42 months (3.5 years) at the beginning of the Great Tribulation.  God will place two witnesses outside of the temple to prophecy for 1,260 days (3.5 years).  These are not just common corner street preachers, though.  These two witnesses of the Almighty God have been given God’s protection and authority on the Earth for this period of time.  They cannot be shut down, quieted, or harmed.  They have supernatural powers to stop the rain, bring plagues, and consume their enemies with fire.  These aren’t your average superheroes.

But alas, their days will come to an end at the hand of the beast from the bottomless pit (abyss, Hell).  This all takes place in the streets of Jerusalem, outside the desecrated temple.  They lie in their death for 3.5 days before God raises them back to life before the masses, and then He calls them home.  As with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in this same location, an earthquake rattled the city in destruction.  All in Jerusalem that day were first hand observers to the power, authority, and wrath of God.

Yet, we know that there is still a third woe to come with the 7th Trumpet blast.  This means that not all mankind were convinced of God’s sovereignty from the testimony of the two witnesses.  Just as in our lives today, there are times when God shows His presence in our lives, and many still refuse to acknowledge His authority.  Mankind continues to focus on self desires, self interests, and refusal of a greater authority.  This leads to an intentional denial of God and a great suffering in the last days.  

The two witnesses will be sent from God to help mankind overcome their self-righteousness, repent, and turn away from their blasphemous and sinful lives.  We do not need to wait for that time.  We have the opportunity to trust and follow Jesus Christ today.  He came to provide salvation through his death and resurrection.  God gave His Son so that man would not perish, but have everlasting life.  But mankind is given free will to choose to follow or not.  Here again with the two witnesses, God is giving every person the opportunity to come to Him.  He will not force them to.  As with any Father/Child relationship.  I want my children to love me, I want them to be blessed, I want them to have good things, and I will reprimand them when I see they are doing wrong.  But I cannot force them to love me or listen to my counsel; they must choose for themselves.  As a father and friend to many of you, my counsel for you is to turn to God and be blessed with eternal life with Him one day.

The 7th Trumpet - The Little Scroll

Revelation 10

Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.  He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded.  And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”  And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.

Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”  So I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. And he said to me, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”  And I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it. It was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it my stomach was made bitter.  And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”

I find it curious as to why God would reveal the 7 Seals, then the first 6 Trumpets, bringing John a vision of wrath, destruction, and death to the Earth, but then choose to withhold details about the 7th Trumpet.  As we have previously learned from the angel blowing the 4th Trumpet, the next 3 would be unbearable for those remaining on the earth on that day.  We can conclude after that that the  5th, 6th, and 7th Trumpets would bring terrible wrath.  We have seen this in the 5th and 6th Trumpets, but we will need to wait to discover the devastation coming from the 7th.  At the blowing of the 7th Trumpet, the fullness of God’s plan will be completed.  Once again, we see that the number 7 holds significance in the scriptures – 7 Days of Creation, 7 Lampstands, 7 Churches, 7 Seals, and 7 Trumpets.  

So, as we wait for the 7th Trumpet, we know that 1/3rd of the inhabitants on earth at that time have fallen to death, yet still there are those who will reject God’s loving grace and salvation.  The stubborn and hard-hearted have always been with us, and apparently will continue.  For this angel in Chapter 10, we find strength, in power and authority, enormity with one foot on land and the other on sea, fierceness with legs as pillars of fire, and a rainbow above his head, as a recollection of God’s promise to never destroy the earth again.  In his hand, he has a “little scroll” which is open for John to see.  John is instructed later in verse 8 to eat the scroll, which will be bitter in his stomach, as it contains the details of the forthcoming wrath.  This may allude to John’s ability to later (chapter 19) provide insight on the final days after the 7th Trumpet blows.

I find it interesting that in John’s vision, even the seven thunders are given a voice by the creator to describe the wrath to come, but then God from the heavens above gives a clear instruction for John not write it down.  John was able to see and hear of the coming wrath, but was not allowed to share at this time.  God will reveal it to mankind on a day of His choosing, and only then.  We have seen the fact that God is sovereign over all things, living and nature.  He created the heavens, the cosmos, the earth, and the life therein.  He is the only one who can bring an end to that for which He has created.  As the angel says, when the 7th Trumpet sounds, there will be no more delays; God’s plan will be finished.

Reference Noah’s ark as a major reset from the evil that had overcome mankind at that time.  The ark contained the life of all creatures, including mankind, to repopulate the earth.  His promise of a rainbow in the sky was to never destroy the earth again, but this does not mean He will not bring massive devastation upon the evil that exists in the world.  He has outlined in Revelation His plan for the end days with much suffering and death to those who refuse Him.  But, for those who have chosen to follow Him and to abide in Him, He will have enduring grace, just as He did with Noah and his family.  

The 6th Trumpet - 2.5 Billion Dead

Revelation 9:12-21

Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God,  saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”  So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind.  The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number.  And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths.  By these three plagues, a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.  For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,  nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Yes, 2.5 billion will be killed when the sixth angel blows his trumpet.  John’s vision in the Throne Room of God was hearing a voice release the four angels to send their armies upon mankind.  Through plagues (fire, smoke, and sulfur), the army of 200,000,000 will inflict pain and suffering, even to death, upon the earth at a heavenly-prescribed period of time.  These angels, held at bay by God for an exact hour, will be released.

Despite the daunting armies with horses, looking like serpents, with lion’s heads, and breastplates the color of red, sapphire and sulfur, bringing death upon the earth, many will still deny God.  How evil must mankind be in order to see 1/3rd of those who know die at the hand of this army, yet still refuse to turn from their wicked ways?  Holding fast to their debauchery of theft, murder, and sexual immorality, this group raise the fist to the God of the Universe, and chooses to remain in their sinful ways.  

Look around yourself in today’s world.  How many are snubbing their nose at God’s commandments and following their own desires and wickedness instead?  

Sexual immorality is at an all-time high.  Adultery, fornication, pedophilia, sex slavery, and other deviant practices are acceptable, even encouraged, and commonplace in many cultures.  

We have become nonchalant towards murder in today’s society.  The news and media sources have even become complacent about discussing murder unless there are ulterior benefits to their political agenda.

Stealing is acceptable in many cities now.  Many retailers won’t even bat an eye if what the person steals is worth less than $800.  In some cases, the victim is actually found guilty of defending themselves against the thieves.

We can look all around us and see the rise of evil in the world, yet still we aren’t seeing the mass loss of 1/3rd of mankind, 2.5 billion people.  Here again, we see God’s wrath upon the Earth being extremely specific in timing and impact.  His patience is demonstrated by holding this wrath back as long as possible and targeting 1/3rd of all people.  This allows the remaining 2/3rd of people the opportunity to repent and follow Him.  But will they see the sovereignty and power of God, or will they continue in their worship of evil, rebellion, and denial?  Revelation 9:21 tells us they will not.

Let us be busy about the business of helping these people overcome these barriers and to follow God, the Father.  Those with God’s seal will not be subjected to this wrath.  We should want for our loved ones and friends to be on that side of the end days if indeed we claim to care for them.

5th Trumpet Blows - Army of Locusts and Pain

Revelation 9:1-12

And the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.  He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft.  Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth.  They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.  They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone.  And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.

In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, their hair like women’s hair, and their teeth like lions’ teeth; they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle.  They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails.  They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.

 The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.

Description complete.  I believe John’s vision is quite comprehensive as to the first of the 3 woes from the remaining Angel’s trumpets.  As the 5th Trumpet sounds, we discover a few things:

1) The bottomless pit is within the Earth, and God has the key.  The fallen Star could be a reference to Satan or another fallen angel, but it must still follow the authority of God.

2) The locusts rise from the bottomless pit, but are restrained by God’s command as to what they can and cannot do for 5 months.

3) Abaddon (Hbrw) and Apollyon (Grk) are names given to Satan, as he is given authority over these locusts for 5 months.  Here again, though, he is still under the sovereignty of God Almighty.

The first of the three woes is going to bring excruciating pain to those left on the Earth at that time.  Those with God’s seal on their foreheads will be protected from this pain.  We know from Revelation 5 of the 144,000 that God has sealed, but we also know from several scriptures that those who have given themselves to Christ are also sealed with the Holy Spirit.  

If indeed we, as believers, are still here during the great tribulation, I find comfort in knowing that God will protect me through this pain.  I then think of my loved ones who aren’t believers, or those who will say they are, but there is no substance or fruit to their walk.  We must all check ourselves and our relationship with Christ.  Are we truly following Him, or simply claiming a faith as a means to escape judgment?  My fear is that there are many of us in this latter camp.  We say we are, but live a lifestyle and endorse those things of evil in this world.  

Fear is one catalyst that can cause a person to seek redemption, true repentance, and salvation from this world’s ways.  John’s vision in Revelation 9 begins to show what is in store for those who refuse to come to Jesus.  There is a bottomless pit, and God holds the key.  There will come a time when that pit is opened, and pure evil is unleashed on the face of the Earth.  I, for one, do not want to be here to witness it, and I pray that you can see it for yourself to understand the severity of God’s wrath.  Take a moment and reflect on the sincerity of your relationship with Christ.  Is it a relationship of convenience, prosperity, purpose, or truth of servanthood?  God knows where you stand, do you?

The Trumpets Blow

Revelation 8:7-13

The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.  A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.  The name of the star is Wormwood.  A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter. 

The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!

We have seen the seven seals broken by the Lamb of God, and with each seal, a further revelation of God’s plan for the end of days.  With the seventh seal, we are introduced to the seven angels and seven trumpets.  At the sound of each trumpet, we see further details of God’s plan for wrath on the Earth in the days of tribulation.  We do not have a full understanding of these revelations, but simply a knowledge that God is fully omnipotent and aware of the devastation these events will cause to the inhabitants at that time.

With the first trumpet’s sound, hail and fire fall from heaven and destroy the vegetation.  Trees and grass are referenced, but it is easy to presume that all vegetation would be impacted but such an event.  God also used fire and brimstone to rain upon Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-28 and destroyed the cities.  He has done it once before and can do it again, but recognize His restriction to 1/3rd of the vegetation.  Why?  Why would God hold back and not just burn it all at once?  His patience for those who would yet still come to believe because of His wrath.  Yet, there will still be many who will deny Him and blame these events on natural causes.  Woe to them.

At the second trumpets sound, a large mountain “like” burning with fire was cast into the sea, killing 1/3 of the living creatures in the sea, and 1/3 of the ships on the sea were destroyed.  Sea’s will turn to blood, could be poetic in that the color appears read, or it could be literal as the blood of those that are killed.  One can assume this is something like a large meteor because John was careful to refer to it as “like a mountain”, not specifically a mountain.  Here again we see death and destruction caused by the wrath of God, but only to 1/3rd of the living creatures and ships.  God’s mercies are still being played out as He demonstrates His sovereignty and authority over all things.  Some in the sciences, politics, and media will play this off as a cosmic event, and not an example of God’s wrath, as they continue to deny His existence.  But there will be some who see this as the fulfillment of God’s promise and prophesy.  It is those that God seeks to connect with during this time of tribulation.  

As the third trumpet sounds, a star falls from the sky, striking the Earth, landing in fresh water rivers and springs, and turning the water to “wormwood”, a very bitter substance.  We can presume this to be a meteor or comet as well.  In this case though, it impacts the ecological system of the Earth, and begins killing off people as a result.  With 1/3rd of the Earth’s fresh water being poisoned, many will die around the globe.  There is no direct correlation to assume 1/3rd of all mankind, but this proportion is consistent across all of these events of wrath.  This will impact the food industry, the beverage industry, the farming industry, the entire ecological system we know today will be devastated.  Much like the wrath called out in the breaking of the 3rd seal, the economic impact will also be enormous.  We rely heavily on water in today’s world, and without it, many will suffer and die.

The 4th trumpet is blown, and the skies and cosmos as we know them are forevermore impacted.  1/3rd of the sun, the moon, and the stars are darkened forever.  Similar to what we saw with the breaking of the 6th seal, men will look to the skies with wonder and fear.  God created the sun, the moon, and the stars on the fourth day to provide light and separate day from night, as well as years and seasons (Genesis 1:14-19).  Here He is once again demonstrating His control over everything, including the skies.  He can take away everything He has created, and by removing the 1/3rd of the light from the skies, mankind will know that there is a Creator, and many will turn back to Him.

Chapter 8 concludes with an angelic warning, “an eagle flying overhead” to all mankind – Woe to the people on earth for the coming wrath of the Lord when the final 3 trumpets sound.  Evidence that God truly wants man to turn to Him and not be destroyed.  But, alas, there are those who are hard-hearted and determined to live for themselves, despite His warnings and the opportunities He has given them.  For those people, the final days will be unbearable.  Woe to them indeed.

Seventh Seal is Opened

Revelation 7:1-5

When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.  Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.  And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,  and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.  Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

John’s vision entails the final seal of God’s scroll being opened, and the completeness of the apocryphal plan is revealed.  Recall that with each seal, an additional part of the scroll was revealed as a part of God’s plan for the end days.  The significance of silence in heaven for 30 minutes is a matter of fear, respect, honor, and awe of God’s majesty.  Following the great multitude and angels bowing low and worshipping God in Chapter 7, this silence is in preparation for what is now to come.  

There are seven angels standing before the throne, which means all others are kneeling or bowing in reverence still.  These angels are given seven trumpets.   Again, seven is a significant number in the bible.  A number of completeness, of finality, and closure.  We will read that each of these seven trumpets will unleash wrath in the skies and elements upon the earth. This is all in part due to the great tribulation for those who remain.

John sees an additional angel approaching the throne of God.  Upon the golden altar before the throne, this angel burns incense with prayers for the saints who had gone before.  These prayers of the saints are also referenced in Revelation 5:8 as the prayers for justice for the martyrs.  God will be just in His timing.  Once again, these prayers are lifted before God as a cry from the saints for justice.  

The angel then takes the fire from the altar and throws it down upon the earth.  This act from God is one of cleansing and refining.  God is the all-consuming fire of redemption, and by throwing the fire down to the Earth, He has begun his refining process of purification and righteousness.  The Earth is impacted by earthquakes, lightning, and rumblings from within.  Recognition that God is in control of all things and all elements upon and in the earth.  

God is above all things and over all things.  The earth is but a part of His domain.  We talk of global warming, of mankind destroying the Earth.  These are nothing more than scare tactics played out in politics by individuals using them to prosper themselves and those they are controlled by.  God created the Earth, and all that is within; He alone will determine when it is complete.  Over the next few days, we will read on in Chapters 8 and 9 about the Seven Trumpets, and then the Seven Bowls of judgment.  God has revealed His end plan for the Earth.  It has nothing to do with melting ice caps and greenhouse gases.  Believe me, His plan is much worse than anything man could comprehend.  Put your faith and hope in His plan, for He wrote the ending.  In His time and only in His time will the Earth come to an end. Until then, be faithful and strong in spreading His love and message to everyone you meet.  That is why we are here, and that is why He is being patient with us.

Surviving Tribulation

Revelation 7:9-12

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”

Will people still be able to receive salvation through Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation?  Many have asked the question, and many have different answers.  I read in Revelation 7 that there is a “great multitude” that will make it through.  The large group from all nations, tribes, people and tongues tells us that even through the tribulation, the 144,000 (discussed previously) having been marked with God’s seal, will be actively spreading the good news to all people during the tribulation.  

This great multitude, referred to as gentiles, are dressed in white garments and standing before the Lamb, crying out that salvation comes from the Lord and the Lamb.  They are claiming salvation in Jesus Christ alone.  Later in Chapter 7 and elder tells John just who these people are.  (v14)“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”  Around these people are ALL the angels (thousands upon thousands), elders, and the creatures near the throne fall to their faces before the throne and lift up their worship to the Lord.

Can you imagine the scene?  An uncountable multitude, all of the angels and elders before the Throne of God, worshipping Him.  This is heaven.  If you envision heaven as sitting around on puffy clouds, relaxing, chilling, while playing your harp, you’ve watched too many cartoons.  Heaven in God’s presence is endless worship, praise, and recognition of His glory.  No pain, no suffering, no anxiety, no greed, no anger, no war, no sin, no evil will exist in His heavenly realm.  You will be there to glorify Him in all that you do.  

I believe that those who have given their life to Jesus Christ prior to the tribulation will be removed before the wrath of God comes upon the earth.  Just as God removed Noah from the great flood, and just as God removed Abraham and Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah before the great destruction from fire, I believe He will remove His children as well.  But this chapter in Revelation gives hope to those left behind during the tribulation.  Hope for salvation still exists for a great multitude of people.  This may include Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Atheists, and yes, even some pseudo-Christians who were acting the part, but not really saved.  

God tells us in several verses that He wants none shall perish, and through His 144,000 sealed, He will make one final attempt to soften the hearts of the angry, confused, and misinformed.  They will suffer through tribulation, though, and many will be martyred as a result.  But His plan of salvation does not end just because His wrath is poured out.  Continue praying for those whom you know do not have a relationship with Christ.  Pray for their salvation to come before the days of wrath are poured out.

144,000 Sealed by God

Revelation 7:1-8

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree.  Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea,  saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”  And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: (v.5-8) 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel (except Dan) – Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin are sealed

John remains in the Throne Room of God, and his vision continues.  Four angels are called to hold back the winds from every direction (N, S, E, & W) and are sent to four corners of the earth to do so.  Not corners as in a square, but rather the farthest reaches of the planet.  This represents God’s fullness in authority over the entire earth and everything therein.  Some claim that these four angels could also represent the four horsemen referred to in Revelation 6, but we aren’t fully sure of this.

A fifth angel appears that has been sealed by God.  He calls out the 144,000 to be likewise sealed by God on their foreheads.  Israel, as you recall, was born to Isaac, Abraham’s son, as Jacob.  He was the second of twin boys, Esau being his brother.  Jacob had deceived their father into giving him the family blessing, rather than Esau.  He was known as “the deceiver”, but was still chosen by God.  Later in life, Jacob wrestled with a Diving being on the night before meeting with Esau.  He could not be overpowered by this being and was therefore renamed Israel, meaning “He who struggles with God.” (Genesis 35:9-10).  Israel had switched from being the deceiver to being the Patriarch of God’s children, and was blessed with 13 sons.  Twelve of these sons (excluding Levi) were granted territories in Canon, which made up the nation of Israel.  Levi’s tribe became the priests for God, and therefore were not given dedicated land in Canaan, but rather authority across all the territories.

God’s seal is prophesied to be placed on the forehead of 12,000 from each of these tribes, securing their eternal fate with God the Father.  This will ensure their secure path through the coming tribulation and wrath.  We do not know if the 144,000 is literal to the Jewish community today or symbolic of saints that have come and gone, but it is without question referencing those who have come from the Hebrew nation.  So, there is a continual uncertainty as to why Dan was excluded from this list.  There are several theories on why he was not included in the list.  The most widely accepted theory is that the Antichrist will come from his tribe.  Genesis 49:17 tells us “Dan shall be a serpent by the way, A viper by the path, That bites the horse’s heels So that its rider shall fall backward.”  Dan was also found guilty by God of pushing idolatry (Judges 18:14-31) onto the Israel nation. Later in Revelation, we will see the mark of the beast placed on idolaters, but only God can judge them accordingly.  God will deal with the tribe of Dan in due time.

There are some religions that would claim the 144,000 sealed are the only ones granted eternal favor. This is completely contradictory to several scriptures referencing that belief in Christ will seal one to eternity with God as well.  John 6:27, Ephesians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 2 Timothy 2:19, Ephesians 4:30 – all make reference to believers as “God’s sealed as His”.  So, when someone in black dress pants, a white pressed shirt, black tie, and carrying a stack of Watchtower pamphlets shows up on your doorstep claiming that their church alone represent the 144,000 sealed individuals, you can rest assured, they are mistaken.  Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life; no one can come to the Father unless they accept Him as Savior and Lord (John 14:6).  As a believer, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit living in your life.

6th Seal - Day of Wrath will Come

 Revelation 6:12-17

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.  The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.  Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

When John looked up and saw the Lamb breaking the 6th seal, he saw natural catastrophes falling upon the earth prophesied in Zephaniah 1:14-16; “he great day of the LORD is near; it is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; there the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high towers.” or in Joel 2:10-11; “The sun and moon grow dark, and stars diminish their brightness… for the day of the LORD is great and terrible; who can endure it?”  The end of days will come with great tribulation and wrath.  The 6th seal describes some of the things that will happen to mankind in that day.

Great earthquakes, not like an 8.5 or 9.2 on the Richter scale as in California or Japan each year, but think 3-5 times greater.  An immeasurable event on the Richter scale will bring cracks across the earth’s surface.  John describes the sun turning black, not as in a solar eclipse; no, solid black, no star light, no moon light, no light to bring reflection upon the earth.  He talks of the stars falling, not as shooting stars or a random meteor, but all of them falling from the sky.  The stars, created by God the Father, will fall and no longer provide light in the darkness.  John’s ability to interpret and describe these things may or may not be exact, but his the best way of describing what he sees.  He continues to describe that, suddenly, the sky is no more.  It was split and rolled up like a scroll.  No celestial beings, no constellations, no planets, or moons.  We know that God’s finger created the skies, the stars, the moon, and the sun.  As John describes here in Revelation 6, He alone will remove them in the end days.

I’ve been to Alaska, I’ve seen Denali; I’ve been to Colorado to Pikes Peak, I’ve been to Seattle to Mt Rainier.  In Asia, there are K2 and Mt Everest in the Tibetan / Chinese mountain range.  In Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro towers over Tanzania.  100’s if not 1000’s of other mountain peaks across the globe rise into the sky over 15,000 feet.  Revelation 6 tells us that every one of them will come crashing to the ground and be removed from its place.  The towering elevations will be flattened, and the 1000’s of islands will be removed from the waters.  You and I can’t fathom this in our own minds, because it’s incomprehensible.  Yet, God is very clear in the vision portrayed for John.

This verse concludes with the statement of God’s wrath upon mankind.  Every leader, king, and the loftiest presidents, prime ministers, and military leaders will fear His wrath to the point of begging for death.  It will be obvious that God is the supreme authority, sovereign above all others.  Who is able to withstand the wrath of the Lamb?  Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ are able, because Jesus has taken God’s judgment and wrath upon Himself already.

It's important to realize that God alone controls the creation and the destruction of our world.  As much as we believe we are in control of this planet’s life cycle and elements, we are incapable of such power.  God is in charge of the end of our planet.  We are capable of destroying natural resources that God has provided, but we are not capable of surprising God Almighty.  It’s not like God heard Al Gore talk of Global Warming in 1998 and was surprised that the earth’s natural resources were being consumed.  God has a timetable, and we are simply living within it.  Earthquakes, floods, fires, and frozen tundras are all a part of God’s plan for the end to come.  Realizing that the earth and all herein belong to God, and not mankind, is the beginning of wisdom.  When you can cause the stars to fall, the sun to be blackened, and the earth to be shattered by great earthquakes, I will follow your wise counsel on these things.  But, until that time, I propose we follow God’s plans for the end and prepare accordingly by following the Lamb who controls these things.

5th Seal - Wait a Little Longer

Revelation 6:9-11

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.  They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”  

Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

After the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse had been loosed upon the earth, John’s vision continued with the Lamb opening the 5th seal.  The martyrs and saints who had been persecuted for their beliefs and following Jesus Christ asked God for revenge against their enemies.  His response is not one of wrath or anger, though; it is one of love.  Wait a little longer, for there are still those who can be saved from the tribulation, then the wrath will come.  

Has there been a time when someone wronged you, and the first thing you thought about was how to get back at them, and sometimes even asking God to step in on your behalf?  I know I sure have.  But the reality is that they are a child of God as well, and God’s plan is that none shall perish, not one.  

John 3:16 tells us that “He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe, will not perish but have eternal life.”  The requirement here is to believe in Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:9 tells us “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

God’s intent is for all to come to Christ.  He desires that all would repent and turn to His plan of grace through Jesus Christ, so they can rest in eternal peace with Him.  The martyrs and saints in John’s vision are given white robes, representing that their eternal plan is indeed set in place, but his word to “rest a little longer” is to allow others to come to that same eternal fate. 

God’s time is not the same as ours.  He wears no watch, and as the Creator of all things, is literally outside of time and space.  Other scriptures tell us “for to God a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day”(Psalm 90:4).  So, when mockers and antagonists comment that God’s reference to a little longer has demonstrated the inaccuracies of the bible, we can remind them that God does not live in our dimensional constraints.

We all know someone outside of Jesus’ saving grace.  God will bring all things to justice at a point in our future.  He tarry’s to allow us to help them understand and find this relationship with Jesus, but He will not tarry forever.  Revelation tells us that His wrath will come “soon”.  We do not know when, but we know that His word is true.  Be conscientious about sharing God’s word and love with those you know are not aligned with God’s plan.  Help them to see His loving grace is for them as well as every other believer in history.  They are part of the “ALL” referenced throughout God’s word.  We are waiting a little longer, but I can’t put a clock on the end of that window of time.

Third and Fourth Horseman

Revelation 6:5-8

When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand.  And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”  And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

We see the remaining two horsemen revealed in John’s vision through Revelation 6:5-8.  The creature near God’s throne announces to John the third horseman, riding upon a black horse, with scales in his hand.  This horseman brings famine and economic collapse upon the world.

For context, a denarius was a day’s wage in those times, equivalent to approximately $200 by today’s standards.  A quart of wheat is about the size of a loaf of bread, and the estimated requirement to sustain one person for one day.  The implication here is that a person can earn only enough in one day to sustain their life.  No extras, no savings, nothing outside of the bare necessities.  

We can see their society is being split into the haves (oil and wine) and have-nots (wheat and barley) as represented by the third horseman’s instructions.  By limiting the wheat and barley supply, he creates hardships for the lower class, leading to famine and death, while the upper class is unhindered and still able to enjoy finer things like olive oil and wine, at least for this time.

The fact that our economy today is so unbelievably fragile is another example of the nearness to the end times.  Since COVID in 2020 & 2021, we have seen a continual escalation of the price of necessities – bread, milk, gas, water, meat, eggs, and other goods.  On average, the cost of living has increased by 24.3% in the last 4 years.  Unheard of in modern-day history.  At the same time, the average income has increased only 6% - 10%, while unemployment has surged as a result of company restructuring during the pandemic, and they have never been called back.  The economy is so fragile that many farmers and factories have closed permanently, forcing families into bankruptcy and foreclosures.  We are seeing the fingerprints of Revelation 6:6 in our world today if you pay attention.

The fourth horseman is then let loose upon a Pale horse.  The fourth horseman is called Death, and is followed closely by Hades (Hell).  He carries a sickle in his hand and is instructed to bring death upon the earth.  A quarter of the earth’s population will be slain by one of four means: Sword, Hunger, Death (pestilence, plagues), and Beasts.  This represents over 2 billion people (by today’s numbers).  The sword would be wars, violence, murder, and conflict.  Hunger by famine and starvation.  Death will come upon them in plagues (think Black Death, Smallpox, and Bubonic Plague) and pestilence or deadly disease.  (I do not include COVID, because frankly, more people die of influenza each year than COVID in 2020 & 2021) Finally, the beasts of the earth (wild animals) will turn on mankind as well.

Following the economic collapse brought on by the third horseman, this horseman will bring death for those impacted above.  We have seen wars over and over in the 20th and 21st centuries, taking millions of lives.  We have seen bubonic plague take 100’s of millions of lives in Europe, and smallpox take millions as well.  This only scratches the surface of what ¼ of the earth’s population would represent, though.  Think about the scale of 2.2 billion people dying at once.  One in every 4 people you know would be gone.  It’s going to happen to those who are here when God’s plan is put into action.  Will we still be here?  Who knows.  Many say believers will not be here during that time.  Others say we will go through these trials and tribulations only to be raptured afterwards.  God’s wrath, as seen in John’s vision, will come to be.  It may be soon, or it may be 100 years away.  The reality is to have faith and trust in Jesus Christ and realize that the hardships in this life will result in eternal joy in God’s presence.  Do not fear these last days, but prepare accordingly by being in the Word and in prayer every day.

First and Second Horsemen

 Revelation 6:1-4

Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”  And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.  When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”   And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

Jesus begins to break the seals on the scroll from God’s hand.  There are seven seals, each allowing for a portion of the scroll to be revealed and paint a more complete picture of God’s plan for the end.  Jesus, with full authority and knowledge, sets upon the task of unveiling the plan for wrath that is set to come upon the earth in those days.  With sadness and anguish, these things must take place to eliminate the evil in the world, and those who have denied God will feel the fullness of God’s wrath, not to His joy, but to His pain and requirement for Holiness in His presence.  His desire is that none shall perish (2 Peter 3:9), but by their own hearts’ decision, they have refused His love and grace.

Here we begin the introduction to the four horsemen of the apocalypse.  The first horseman is upon  “the White Horse”.  He carries a bow and is given a crown.  This gives him authority over the earth in the end days as a conqueror, an overcomer.  The bow is significant because, in battle, the archers are sent out first to soften the opposing forces by shooting arrows from a long distance before the artillery advances upon a weakened force.  We cannot draw a conclusion as to this horseman’s identity, but we can see that it is not Jesus, as many might think, because of the “white horse”.  Jesus already had authority in heaven and on earth.  In John’s vision, the entrance of this horseman and white horse is in addition to “the Lamb” opening the seals, so we know that Jesus is not the rider in this context.

The second seal was broken by the Lamb, which then released the second horseman upon a “Red Horse”.  One of the four creatures near God’s throne called forth this horse and John’s vision is brought to life within God’s throne room.  The horseman is given authority to “take peace from the earth” and cause man to slay man.  This authority is given from the Lamb, who was given all authority on heaven and earth.  He is also known as “the prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and ironically puts the plan into motion to remove this peace.

God had once before released wrath upon the earth in Genesis 6, with the flood, because of the corrupt and evil ways of mankind at that time.  Here again we begin to see His plan to once again wipe out the evil in this world.  In Jesus’ own words from Luke 17:26, “As in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of Man”, He prescribed the coming wrath in the end times.  We now see the 2nd horseman on the Red Horse given the authority to carry out these plans.  

We are called to be ready at any moment.  Are you?  Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?  Have you accepted Him as your Savior and Lord?  You can look at the news on any given day and see the evil, wickedness, debauchery, and corruption from God’s righteousness and holiness.  We are nearing the end days, and I’m not just saying that.  The proof is all around you, for we are living as unrighteously and wickedly as those of Noah’s day.  My ask of you today is to repent, turn from your sin, and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  We will discover in the coming days, much worse wrath that will be poured out upon the earth.  Trusting in Jesus is the only path through these times.

Who is Worthy?

 Revelation 5

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”  And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.  And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.  And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang a new song, saying, 

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

John is in God’s throne room once again.  This time God on His throne holds the scroll with seven seals, the will of God, the plan for the earth from that point forward.  As those present, angels, elders, the 4 creatures on each side of the throne, and other heavenly beings, see the scroll, there is the realization that no one in heaven, on earth, or even under the earth (Satan and his demons) is worthy of opening the seals and scroll to reveal God’s plan.  John, having witnessed this in a vision, is brought to tears and weeps.

In his vision, he is comforted by an elder in the throne room, with the words that there is one, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb of God.  For He was slain for all mankind and has the authority from the Father.  Jesus is described as the slain lamb, with seven horns and seven eyes.  We’ve discussed in the past that seven is a number of perfection and completeness.  The seven horns represent Jesus’ authority and power, while the seven eyes represent his wisdom, omniscience, and all-seeing characteristics.  Here again, we see reference to God as the Father, the Spirit, and the Son; the trinity (3 in 1) with all wisdom, knowledge, and authority in the heavens and earth.

Jesus, with this authority and triune with God, the Father, enters as the slain Lamb, representing His sacrifice and resurrection. He walks right up and takes the scroll from God’s right hand because He is worthy.  I cannot help but visualize this scene unfolding in fear, worry, and confusion until Jesus enters the room.  Then, as we are told in Revelation 5, the room falls into reverence and falls prostrate at His feet.  Elders remove their crowns, the four creatures near the throne bow low, and the heavens ring out with worship and praise for the King, for the Lamb of God has come forth.

Jesus is our King, and only He has the authority of God in this world and the next.  By His sacrificial death and resurrection, we are redeemed and made whole in our iniquity and transgression.  He alone is worthy of praise.  Not those in sports, not those in Hollywood, or politics, or business.  We place honor and glory on so many people in this world, and not one of them deserves it.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has final authority and will stand before the Lord one day on your behalf.  Who else can give you this peace, this comfort in knowing your eternal fate?

Many walk the earth today putting themselves on that throne.  Through their education, worldly views, they believe they have the answers, and they do not necessarily include God.  One day, they too will bow before the King of Kings and account for their intentional denial of Christ or God.  They have set their eternal fate; unfortunately, though, it is a choice to spend eternity outside of God’s presence.  

As the seals are broken and the scroll is opened, God’s plan for you, me, and all of mankind will be revealed.  For there is only one worthy to open the scroll, and He holds the keys to Heaven and Hades.  If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you can find comfort in knowing He is standing for you before God, the Father, and will see you through the coming judgment and tribulations.