The First Four Trumpets

The events described in these trumpet blasts can be scary. Some readers have taken them to be a strictly literal description of future events. It is probably important to soften that approach by remembering that Biblical literature is full of apocalyptic imagery. It is usually not meant to be literal future-telling, but, instead, a dramatic sign of a deeper truth. These trumpet blasts echo the judgments against Egypt in the Old Testament, as well as the trumpets used before the destruction of Jericho. They are a reminder to the people of God that idolatry and sin will be judged harshly. As you read, ask God if there are idols in your life that he would wish to tear down and destroy.

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REFLECTION

Prayers and Incense – Beautiful Aroma

by Andrea Taphorn

I have earnestly prayed for things that, thank goodness, that God in his mercy, said no to. As I read today’s reading, the song lyrics to an old Garth Brooks song came to mind, “Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs. That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care. Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers”

Of course, as I say this, I cannot imagine the earnestness of prayers from saints who have died for their faith in Christ. At the beginning of chapter eight, their prayers are wafted up to God by an angel and these new cycles of visions depict for the reader what it would look like for God to answer these prayers by sending wrath down on an unrepentant world. These prayers are serious business, not just a prayer to marry your high school sweetheart.

I don’t know that I understand things like the wrath of God. These verses today are not ones quickly turned to provide comfort and peace, are they? We are knee deep now into Revelation and things are getting hard to read. Trumpet blasts begin to sound off and we see what it would looks like for God to answer the prayers of the saints calling out for justice and retribution. What unfolds is first horror and destruction, but later we also will see the futility of this response.

It makes me wonder, as I pray, do I really want God to deliver retribution, or do I want mercy? The saints who prayed these prayers are declared saints because of the unending mercy of a good and gracious God. There is no other way to be declared a saint. I am also reminded again who are my enemies: sin, death, and the devil.  An unrepentant sinner is not my enemy; rather, another person in need of God’s mercy, just like me. So, as I read today, I picture myself writing down a simple prayer and burning it, so that its scent is wafted up to God. It has one word on it, “mercy.”

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

MONDAY - MEDICAL PERSONNEL - Pray for our doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals to have strength, wisdom, endurance, and alertness.