- The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. Revelation 8:7 – You’ll notice as you read through this chapter that as the trumpets blow and their judgments come the end result is a third of each thing was effected. A third of the trees, a third of the ships, a third of the day. If you’re like me possibly you’re curious as to why a third is used here. Looks like it is to show that under God’s judgment a substantial portion will be effected, but not the whole. That God is deeply showing His power over and heart toward the rebellion of the world yet His refusal to destroy the whole reveals to us that He is continuing to extend His mercy even in those times to any who will repent. For us, know God is serious about rebellion. He’ll make it clear that turning from Him isn’t a path He approves of. Yet, in the midst of all that, He continues to extend His mercies to us offering us a way back to Him. Know God isn’t gentle toward the rebellion in our story, but He’s compassionate to the heart that turns to seek Him once again. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1576
- The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night. Revelation 8:12 – We see finally the seventh seal being opened on the scroll that Jesus, the Lamb, was only worthy to open. There is silence for 30 minutes, much like the calm before the storm, for what is about to take place on the earth now that the scroll is fully open is terrifying. Seven angels are each given a trumpet, and soon we’ll see seven bowls being poured out, fourteen total judgments to be given on the earth during the Great Tribulation. God is judging the world for its sin, but even in His judgement we see that God’s heart is still primarily for repentance not punishment. During these four first trumpet blasts we see “one-third” brought up multiple times. God’s mercy is being revealed even here, that He is a God, as David Guzik writes, “spares more than He smites.” He certainly is carrying out His word and judgment on the world, for even just a third of the things being destroyed like we see in this passage would be catastrophic. Our God though is still opening the door for any during this time to turn from this sin and follow Him. From Him creating garments of animal skin to cover Adam and Eve’s nakedness after their sin all the way to the book of Revelation, God’s heart is people being in right relationship with Him. How are we doing as His church to have a heart for what the Lord has a heart for? He spares more than He smites so people may be saved. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2792
Daily DEVO 