Trumpets And War

There once was a man named Fred. His life was great until his appendix burst. Doctors were able to stabilise him, and he felt good as new—but the infection was still there. The doctors had contained Fred’s burst appendix, but they still had to operate and remove it once and for all.

So far, the story of Revelation has been God shaking the world with the biggest wake-up call imaginable. First, by opening seven seals, and then again when the first four of seven angels blow their trumpets (Revelation 8:6-13), God has sent death and destruction reminiscent of the Ten Plagues. He’s reenacting Exodus on a global scale, demonstrating His power to lead people out of evil and into new life.

Despite everything, many still reject God and commit themselves to their evil ways. This is when the fifth and sixth angels blow their trumpets, unleashing millions of demons to wreak havoc on what remains of Earth (Revelation 9).

Why would God do such a thing? It’s like Fred’s appendix. The doctors contained the burst, but the problem wasn’t gone until the final operation. Similarly, God has been locking demons away in the Abyss since Jesus’s time (Luke 8:26-39). That’s why demonic power seems reduced in our world today. Releasing and then destroying them is the final surgery to vanquish evil forever.

Following that is a weird story of John eating a scroll (Revelation 10:1-11). It’s strange, but the meaning is crucial: if we want to emerge from our life’s tribulations in one piece, we need to absorb God’s Word so deeply that it becomes part of us. John wrote Revelation to be the scroll we consume. So take it in. Let God’s Word transform you, so your faith stands firm even through your greatest tribulations.

Watch the full sermon here.