Everyday Life in Revelation: Part 6 the TrumpetsSample

The second woe reveals the Lord calls for the sixth trumpet to blow. From this trumpet blast, we see a great army, made up of a devastating calvary, with empowered demonic leadership who will conquer and destroy all that come before it.

This army, no doubt, sparks the image of the Parthian army in John’s day. This empire was a rival to Rome, and they were a greatly feared force. Their borders extended from the Euphrates River to India. The Parthians were mighty horsemen who perfected the ability to shoot backward while in a full charge on horseback. This gave an appearance that arrows were coming from their horses’ tails.

This army, even though they are mighty and seem to be spiritually empowered, does not have full dominion on earth. They are limited and cannot destroy all that comes before them, but only a limited amount. This reminds us that this is not God’s full judgment upon the earth, and it also reminds us that even this army is subject to the will of God.

The true tragedy today is not in the destruction John records. It is in the survivor’s response. Even in the middle of devastation, the survivors will not repent of their wicked ways; they remain obstinate in their sin. They refuse to confess their desperate situation and need for God’s grace.

Let us read this and remember our constant need for God’s mercy and grace. Let us be quick to repent when the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin in our lives. Let us be fast to run to the mercy seat and receive all the grace God has reserved and stored for us.

We can rejoice! God is not storing up wrath and judgment for His people; rather, He is storing up mercy and blessings. Let us seek the grace today and forevermore.