Darkness | Daily Devotion
12 Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.
Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”
Revelation 8:12-13 NLT
When John watched the fourth angel blow the fourth trumpet, he once again witnessed God’s divine judgment strike the earth – this time, specifically the solar system.
In the world today, sometimes it is difficult to identify the spiritual actions taking place in our normal physical world, and sometimes it is not. Thus, it is important for us Christians to realize how involved God is in the world and how supernatural is backing what we believe is natural.
Things don’t just take place without God’s divine approval.
We tend to get caught up with what we physically see, and with our busy schedules taking our focus, but as we grow in our knowledge of God, we learn how to see what’s before us with the eyes of Jesus Christ – we see with the eyes of faith, the supernatural in the natural realm.
Now, the only way to see with the eyes of Jesus Christ is to have the mind of Christ, and the only way to have the mind of Christ is to know the word of God, listening to Jesus.
This is important because as we learn about all of the truths in the book of Revelation, we need to remember this will be really lived. It’s not a fantasy story. It will be lived in real time. Therefore, it’s important for us to recognize the reality, the natural, in the seal judgments and the trumpet judgments and later the bowl judgments as well as the supernatural spiritual realm.
With the fourth trumpet, God shows us He has power over the solar system, as He is the Creator of the universe.
In Luke 21:25-26 NLT, Jesus says in foretelling the future, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”
With one-third of the sun being struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars they – they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night. We thus see the loss of heat from the sun, and the moon not reflecting the sun. The loss of heat from the sun will lower the temperature throughout the earth, thus people will experience freezing temperatures and the vegetation will suffer, which will negatively impact both humans and animals, increasing famine.
Moreover, with one-third of the day being dark, many people might experience increased depression and anxiety, as they lack the vitamin D and serotonin that comes with sunlight – two natural mood boosters. Therefore, we see increased psychological issues that weaken individuals, ultimately pointing people to their need for Jesus Christ.
The apostle John then says he looked and saw a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”
Seeing an eagle, known for protecting their young, flying through the air verbally speaking a warning to those who belong to the world – a warning stating the next three trumpet judgments are far worse than the previous judgments. They are not what anyone wants to experience.
We know from the Old Testament that when God wants to get someone’s attention – He speaks through an animal. Therefore, we see here, God seeking to get the people of the world’s attention regarding the coming judgments. The awe in seeing the eagle speak human words, should draw people to Jesus Christ, as well as the specific words spoken. God remains the same – Malachi 3:6 and does not delight in the death of the wicked – Ezekiel 18:30, thus we see Him in so many ways trying to get the people’s attention to turn from their sins and turn to Him.
What we need to remember is that warnings are good. Best to have a warning, then to be blindsided. Warnings protect. Warnings showcase love. God warns because He loves with an everlasting love, inviting all to repent of their sins and turn toward Him.
Today, what is God speaking to your heart regarding your own life?
Prayer: Abba, thank You for the times You correct us of sin, as we know Your corrections reveal Your love, they protect us and show that we are Your children. Open our eyes Lord to how we can best honor You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
