The 7 trumpets in Revelation may be confusing and fantastical, sometimes difficult to differentiate between symbol and reality. Theologians for over a thousand years have debated these items. At the identical time, we are able to see several necessary lessons from the 7 trumpets.
First, they show us how sin at all times requires judgment. Sin is disobedience to God, nevertheless it also hurts and perverts humanity. Therefore, God isn’t indifferent to evil. Through the Scripture, the Lord responds to sins of idolatry, injustice, violence, and sexual sin with firmness because they harm the creation he loves. The disastrous trumpets reveal these consequences, intentional acts of justice by a loving God meant to supply repentance and condemn sin. As believers, we must humble ourselves and take seriously the times God convicts us of our sin, understanding the severity of it. He gives grace to the standard, those that seek him and confess.
However, God doesn’t rush to judgment. The trumpets follow seven seals and are followed by seven bowls. Months pass between these “final” judgments, revealing a progression and process. God has shown his supernatural patience over hundreds of years and does so again even during judgment. While all people and the earth deserve wrath, God limits his judgment (only a 3rd of the earth, sea, sky, etc.). The Lord continually shows restraint and kindness, warning several times before destroying, at all times giving opportunity for repentance. Tragically, the people still rebel.
When we encounter consequences in our own lives from the sin we decide, we also can remember his patience and mercy. God’s mercy will overcome any judgment if we repent and switch to him.
These trumpet judgments aren’t the top. They result in a greater purpose, a part of God’s plan to take care of corruption before bringing the proper Kingdom together with his Son, Jesus. The Father refines the earth, removing the sin, to organize it for something much better. This teaches us how God’s plans are at all times redemptive. He doesn’t judge to be cruel but to revive. His love desires to make things right again. Revelation’s trumpets point to the day when Christ will reign and wipe away every tear. He will make things recent.
Yes, God deals with sin out of his love to guard and make things right. But this provides us hope. The Father longs to be with us now and perpetually. He is leading us through trials and tribulations to a greater day where all sorrows and pain stop, and we fully experience the entire and excellent world we long for in his presence.
Let us have this hope today, remaining faithful and seeing his loving hand of correction for our everlasting good.
Peace.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Ig0rZh
