There is one more trumpet in our weekly passage. It is the fourth trumpet, and it continues the destruction begun with the first trumpet. It is, of course, severe though it does not strike the earth, but rather the heavenlies.[1] It is difficult to know what kind of event might create this type of affect: a third of the day of the day without light, a third of the night without light (from the moon). It almost seems like the earth would have to tilt on its axis to create such an effect. Perhaps the “huge mountain that was thrown into the sea” (v. 8) is a large meteor from space whose impact is so severe as to cause such an impact on the earth? It is so difficult to know! But one thing is certain, the events of the day will affect everyone on the planet. Not a soul on earth will be able to hide from this catastrophe.
Consider that while no one on earth will escape the effects of the trumpet judgments, the same is true of God’s final judgment. Not a soul in all of past, present, and future will escape God’s judgment. Yes, there will be many who try to hide from it and bury their heads in the sand. May I make a suggestion: perhaps we ought to help people understand this truth. The tribulation during this time, as severe as it will be, will not compare to the judgment to follow. One may escape the indirect effects of the trumpet judgments, but no one will escape the final judgment. Yes, for the sake of sparing the unsaved from the terrible tribulation period, we ought to share the gospel. But more importantly we ought to spare them from a terrible judgment stored up for those who know not God.
Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ?
[1] The passage says that a third of the sun, moon, and stars went dark. This could refer to a cataclysmic event on earth that affects one’s view of sky and space.