The Way - Day 219 (Revelation 9)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Revelation 9:1-21
The seventh seal on the scroll (Revelation 8:1-6) had been opened by Jesus Christ and it uncovered another series of judgments referred to as the seven trumpet judgments. The first four trumpet judgments were documented in Revelation 8:6-13. Revelation 9 documents the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments. These two judgments are discussed in greater detail than the first four, so let’s take some time to further examine them.

The fifth angel sounds the trumpet and John sees "…a star fallen from heaven to the earth" and that "…to him was given the key to the bottomless pit" (9:1). Most scholars agree that this fallen star is Satan. Satan opens the bottomless pit (a holding place for demonic forces) and locusts swarm the earth and "are given power as the scorpions of the earth have power" (9:2-3). Scorpions inflict great pain upon their victims through using a venomous stinger, so John may be indicating that these locust-like creatures are capable of causing great pain.

John goes on to write that these creatures were commanded not to harm any green things (trees, plants, etc.) "…but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads" (9:4). These creatures were sent for the specific purpose of inflicting pain on those who have rejected Jesus Christ; furthermore, John writes that these locust-like beings "were not given authority to kill them [men], but to torment them five months" (9:5). John also indicates that the pain of their sting will be so bad that men will wish to die, but will not be able to (9:6). Revelation 9:7-11 give further description of what these creatures look like and even that they have a leader over them, which is most likely one of Satan's most powerful demons. This particular judgment will be very agonizing for the inhabitants of the earth who have rebelled against Jesus Christ.

The sixth trumpet produces another destructive judgment upon the rebellious. Four angels (most likely fallen angels) are released and kill one-third of the population on earth.
"…out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed - by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm." (Revelation 9:17-19)

Because of the severity of the judgments, one would imagine that people would repent and seek God’s mercy; however, it appears that most people are still defiant against God.
"But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols...which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts." (Revelation 9:20-21)

Although these are despondent verses, they speak of the outright hatred and evil which will exist during the seven-year tribulation period. The reaction of mankind is unimaginable. Unfortunately, some people in the present world love sin. They would rather embrace a sinful lifestyle than humble themselves in repentance before God.

Are you currently embracing an evil lifestyle? God is calling you to repent and receive His forgiveness through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Salvation from this future judgment is offered to all, but only those who confess and forsake their sin are promised mercy (Proverbs 28:13). The apostle John wrote in another one of his books, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Dear God, help me to admit my sin before You, knowing that You will provide cleansing and forgiveness through Your Son, Jesus Christ.