NT Fire Starters – Day 348: Revelation 8:1-13

READ: Revelation 8:1-13

THINK: The scene around God’s throne in heaven is one of awesomely intense worship and wonder–flashes of light, rumblings of thunder, heavenly creatures and countless angels encircling the throne and crying out in praise (chs. 4–5). Suddenly, the music, singing and shouts of praise stop. The silence is as intense as the worship had been, bringing an overwhelming sense of the seriousness of what is about to take place as the Lord intervenes in human history and unleashes His judgment on the earth. Up to now, the primary attention of John’s vision has been directed toward God’s throne and events surrounding it. But with the breaking of the seventh seal, the scroll can be unrolled and its contents fully revealed. From this point on, John’s attention will turn to earth and the horrors of judgment about to overtake it.

RESPOND: What happens when the seventh seal is broken, and how does this correspond with the trumpet judgments (chs. 8, 9, 11)? (See 8:1 notes.) What does the period of silence indicate about what is to come? (See 8:1 second note.) Where is John’s vision directed from this point on? In regard to judgment, what do the trumpets symbolize? (See 8:2 note.) How do the trumpet judgments relate and compare to the judgments previously revealed by opening the seals? (See 8:2 and 6:12 notes.) How do “the prayers of all the saints” relate to God’s purposes–including His enactment of justice on earth? (See 8:3 note.) In what sense does God store up people’s prayers? (See 8:3 note, sub point 2.) In light of this, how should you pray at the present time? (See 8:3 note, sub point 3.) What kinds of devastation do the first four trumpets reveal? Who or what is affected? (See 8:7 note.) How are the trumpet judgments grouped? Why are these judgments limited? What’s significant about the repeated mention of “one-third” regarding the extent of these judgments? (See 8:12 note.) What’s significant about the eagle’s warning? (See 8:13 note.)

PRAY: Pray for God’s justice to be enacted and fulfilled on earth. Ask God to help you and your church have more effective influence on people for Christ. Give God thanks for mercifully providing more time for people to turn to Him.

ACT: Spend free periods today in silent consideration and compassionate prayer for those around you who don’t know Jesus and are headed for judgment. Review articles on Intercession, p. 1134, and Campus Missions Commitment to Pray, p. 1744.