The Calm Before the Storm

Note: The sermon summary below was generated and formatted with the help of AI. If you spot anything that seems out of left field, let us know so we can fix it!

The Calm Before the Storm

1. The Prayers of God's Saints Bring Blessing

Revelation 8 begins with the opening of the seventh seal, which results in an unexpected silence in heaven for about half an hour. This is the calm before the storm, a pause of awe and anticipation. The worship that continually resounds in heaven, proclaiming "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come," suddenly stops.

This moment of silence precedes the sounding of the trumpets, a new set of judgments. Before the trumpets sound, the prayers of the saints are pictured rising before God like incense. These prayers—echoing those from under the altar in the fifth seal—are prayers of faith, adoration, and longing for God's vindication.

God receives these prayers as a sweet aroma. So pray—pray not just for your needs, but in adoration of the Sovereign Lord, holy and true. Begin with worship, not just requests. When your prayers reflect this orientation, they bless God and align your heart with His purposes.

2. The Intensity of God's Reply Unleashes Judgment

Following the prayers, judgment is unleashed. The angel fills the censer with fire from the altar and hurls it to the earth. Thunder, lightning, and earthquakes follow. This introduces the trumpet judgments, which are most likely not a separate series from the seal or bowl judgments, but a recapitulation from a different angle.

Understanding the concept of "already and not yet" helps frame Revelation. The kingdom has already come in part through Christ, but its fullness is still to be revealed. Judgment, too, can have immediate and future fulfillments. These trumpet judgments mirror the plagues in Egypt, and each one peels back another layer of divine justice.

First Trumpet

Hail and fire mixed with blood are hurled to the earth, burning a third of the earth, trees, and green grass. This devastates vegetation and food supply chains.

Second Trumpet

A burning mountain is thrown into the sea. A third of the sea becomes blood, marine life dies, and ships are destroyed. This may symbolize kingdoms falling or literal natural disasters.

Third Trumpet

A blazing star called Wormwood falls on rivers and springs, making them bitter and causing many to die. This may represent pollution, a meteor, or a deeper spiritual bitterness affecting humanity.

Fourth Trumpet

A third of the sun, moon, and stars is struck, darkening the day and night. This may point to both physical and spiritual darkness increasing.

These judgments are not random—they are alarms, warnings to wake people up to their need for repentance.

3. The Display of God's Rule Shows Dominion

With the fifth trumpet, locust-like beings emerge from the abyss. Their description is strange and terrifying: human-like faces, lion-like teeth, iron breastplates, and the sound of many chariots. They torment for five months—but only those without the seal of God are affected.

The one who unleashes them is a fallen star, perhaps Satan or a powerful demon. But note: he is given the key. God permits it. God still holds dominion.

The sixth trumpet unleashes four angels bound at the Euphrates to kill a third of mankind. They lead a vast, terrifying army. Fire, smoke, and sulfur come from their mouths—likely symbolic of deception or false teaching rather than literal fire.

In all this, God’s authority remains evident. The evil unleashed is limited and permitted by God. The point is not that God delights in destruction, but that He is just in judging evil and in allowing judgment as part of His redemptive plan.

So, trust. Trust that God's sovereignty includes both mercy and judgment. He is not out of control—He is bringing about the best possible outcomes, even through the worst scenarios.

4. The Extent of God's Judgment Reveals Grace

Where is grace in all this? First, it’s found in protection. God seals His people (Revelation 7), and in Revelation 9:4, those with the seal are not harmed.

Second, it’s found in restraint. The seal judgments affected a quarter; the trumpet judgments affect a third. Final judgment comes with the bowls, but for now, there’s still time. God is giving space for repentance.

Why doesn’t He act fully and immediately? Because He desires none to perish but all to come to repentance. He is sounding the alarm—blasting the trumpets—so people will wake up.

So, repent. Don’t ignore the alarms. God’s grace is still available, but that won’t always be the case. If you're convicted today, respond today.

And testify. We who know the truth are responsible to share it. Don’t hold back because you might not have all the answers. The need is urgent. The stakes are high. Speak up.

Despite the severity of the judgments, many still refuse to repent. Revelation 9:20–21 makes it clear that people continue in idolatry, immorality, and rebellion. Don’t let this be you—or someone you love.

Write down the names of those you long to see saved. Pray for them. Speak to them. Share the gospel again if needed. The trumpets are sounding. May we not be silent.

Let this truth stir your prayer, repentance, trust, and testimony. The time is now.

SERMON DETAILS

Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Calm Before the Storm
Date: Apr 28, 2024

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Revelation 8–9

SHARE