Revelation 8:13-9:21
The trumpet judgments continue as we move into Revelation 9. With the fifth trumpet we see the releasing of a multitude of locust-like demons. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was reading a script from a horror movie. These locusts look like horses prepared for battle, have crowns on their heads, human faces, hair like women, teeth like lions, and tails like scorpions with the power to inflict excruciating stings on those people who do not know Christ. They are not allowed to kill anyone, but it will be so bad that the people will seek death, they'll long to die, but death will flee from them (vs. 6).
Then the sixth trumpet blows and four apparently evil angels are released to kill a third of mankind. With them is a terrifying mounted army numbering 200,000,000. One fourth of the earth has already been killed as a result of the fourth seal (Rev. 6:7-8) and now one third of the population that remains is killed here. That means that these two judgments by themselves have reduced the population of the earth by one half to this point.
So you'd think these happenings would get the attention of the people who are not following Christ, right? Sadly, the answer is no. Verses 20-21 tell us that the rest of mankind who were not killed DID NOT REPENT.
I know I went here yesterday, but these verses are heavy on my heart and I feel compelled to put this before us all again today. Let's think about who we know that doesn't know Christ and what we can do to change that--even today or this week. Please don't miss that what we're reading here isn't fiction. It is going to happen at some point in the future, and that time could be near. Tami W.
Tami/FellowP4ers
As Tami has reminded us I again am forced to think of my unsaved friends. Today I ask you to join me in prayer for [name removed]. He is strong, intelligent, handsome and married. He attends church very often but still has not committed himself to God.
Please join me in prayer for [name removed].
I find this passage very frightening, even as a believer. It reminds me of Moses and the 10 plagues, with far more intensity. Stay strong in God, and repent! That is what I take out of this as encouragement.
Tami, it is frightening. As you have said it is not fiction but the truth. God does NOT lie. He is always faithful as always. as I read today's Scripture there are tears in my eyes especially for none believers whether they are in my family or not. God dos not want to lose any of us but there are still so many people, perhaps a majority who just do not believe in the creation and in Jesus Christ our Saviour, Our Redeemer who went to the Cross for our sins. We can only pray for those we do not know that God will open their hearts so that they can see the light and for those we do know that we make it our duty to tell them about God's Majesty, His love, His compassion and His forgiveness by sharing our testimonies, devotions and or lead them to faith-based ministries like Back to the Bible. Back to the Bible has taught me so much and is teaching me more and more everyday that I will always share with others and ask them to seek out this ministry for themselves.
We must support BTTB and pray for all the staff who God has blessed in a special way to bring these messages to us. May God always inspire their messages which are backed up by His Word. Thanks to all of you bloggers who continue to share your comments. You are truly blessed too.
My two cousins who are strugging with alcohol and possibly drug addition came to my mind. The older one has been given 6 months to live. Please continue to pray for them. I am continuing to send them notes of encouragment every few weeks.
I'm not sure what else I should be doing for them - maybe just pray.
We'll be praying for your cousins as you look for ways to encourage and share Christ with them. Tami W.