The First Four Trumpets

Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.

Revelation 8:6 (NLT)

The seven seal judgments have just been completed. Now comes the seven trumpet judgments which will preclude the seven bowl judgments. As bad as it has been so far, God’s final and complete judgment has not yet come. Each of these series of judgments are only partial and God’s full wrath has not yet been unleashed.

As we read about the first four trumpet blasts we are left with a frightful picture. Imagine 1/3^rd of everything that you find familiar on earth gone. Imagine an earth with no green grass and a third of all the trees gone. Imagine the earth having one-third less drinking water. Imagine the days becoming darker and shorter and even the night sky less illuminated because of God’s judgment. In just six verses in chapter eight we are left with a very scary picture of what life on earth will be like when Jesus really does return (and NO it is not going to be on October 21^st!).

We have already read about the seal judgments which brought war, famine, disease, death and great earthquakes upon the earth in such magnitude that all the great leaders of this world hide themselves in caves in fear. Now we find out it is just going to get worse. Hail, fire, a falling star and the sun and moon becoming darkened coincide with trees, grass, oceans and ocean life becoming consumed and dying.

All of these images are pretty vivid and in my minds eye I can picture them quite clearly. Revelation may use imagery and symbolism in large quantities but there is nothing vague or hard to understand about these great calamities that are to befall upon the earth. But what’s up with the trumpets?

According to my study Bible the mighty blasts that the angels blew served three purposes: (1) to warn the world that judgment was undeniable, (2) to call the forces of good and evil to battle, and (3) to announce the return of the King.

As a believer in Christ I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Because of that I believe and am certain that impending judgment is coming for everyone. I also believe that the forces of good and evil are battling right now and not just during the end times. Satan and his minions are constantly attacking and working in ways to lure people away from God. The Good News is that Jesus is coming back though. And He wins.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Don’t fear these judgments if you have put your faith in Christ. We saw in chapter seven verses two and three that for those of us who claim Jesus as Lord we will have protection. We are His children and no spiritual harm will come to us. So when the singing eagle cries out, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets” (v. 13) know that that doesn’t pertain to you. You don’t belong to this world, you belong to Jesus.

Next week we will look at the remaining trumpet judgments. Until then may God bless you and grant you grace and peace.