45 years ago, Lite Brite was a pretty cool Christmas gift. We thought our grandkids might still like it 2017.

Revelation 9

It’s going to get ugly

We are the midst of the unleashing of God’s wrath upon earth during the great tribulation. Daily devotions are supposed to be heartwarming and encouraging. This is not. There’s an apparent biblical contradiction I’m grappling with that I’ll reflect on shortly. But first, remember there are seven seals with the 7th seal unleashing seven trumpets and the 7th trumpet unleashing seven bowls. As we progress through the 21 acts of wrath, they progress with ever increasing intensity. As we approach chapter 9, we see the fifth and sixth trumpets…and they are ugly. So far, we have seen God unleash wrath by turning men against men and acts of God bringing devastation through nature. With trumpets 5 & 6, God releases demons previously bound to wreak havoc upon the earth and mankind. With trumpet 5, demons are released from the abyss or bottomless pit and they take the form of super, genetically-enhanced- like scorpions. For five months (the typical life-span of a scorpion) they torment mankind (unless they have the seal of God) with painful stings that do not kill them. They suffer intensely but do not die. The sixth trumpet releases more fallen angels, two hundred million demons, to spread fire, smoke and brimstone and kill a third of mankind. The chapter ends by noting that the remaining two thirds (except those sealed by God) refused to repent and continued to live in defiance to God.

The time of grace and mercy is now

Let’s pause and consider some of the final words of Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing,” Luke 23:34. The extension of this grace, forgiveness and love for our enemies continues in the NT from Matthew to Revelation chapter 3. Revelation chapter 4 is a transition. This time we live in now is not the time to call down fire and brimstone upon the enemies of our faith (although we sometimes want to) but a time to forgive and pray for those who are unsaved. If that is true, then if Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, then why do things take such a turn for the worst in Revelation chapter 4? Obviously, God never changes. But the bible clearly reveals that He works in different ways at different times. He reveals or emphasizes His attributes in various ways during different times in history and in the future. There is a progression of God’s eternal plan unfolding in Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

Some interpret this progression by saying “the God of the OT is different than the God of the NT”.  No. He reveals Himself in different ways according to His purposes. Right now, in this age we live in, God is holding back the full force of His wrath because this is the “church age”. This is the age of grace and mercy. The gospel is spreading throughout the world and many are being saved. However, do not take the kindness of the Lord for granted. Romans teaches us that “Now is the acceptable time; now is the time for salvation.” Remember, Revelation 2 & 3 are the letters to the seven churches and represent the time we are in now. Jesus is telling us now to not be luke warm, repent and embrace the grace of Christ while it is readily available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.

Chapter 4 begins with “after these things…” Or, after the time of the church and the worldwide manifestation of grace, a time of wrath will come. Lord, may we not take for granted your grace but be diligent to spread your gospel during this wonderful time of Your salvation extended to all of mankind. May we go into all the world and make disciples. Amen!