FBC Daily Devotions

Read Revelation 8:1-5.

We now come to the seven trumpets. These follow the seven seals with the exception that the seventh seal contains the content or activities of the seven trumpets. The seventh seal bringing the greatest catastrophe upon the earth, the seven trumpets represent the fullest outpouring of God’s wrath. As you will see in the coming days, to be alive on earth at this time will be nearly unbearable. I am thankful that God is my Protector and Salvation…

The coming quake of wrath is begun with silence. I can imagine the seventh seal being opened, and a great gasp sounding from the heavenlies as the forthcoming wrath is revealed but not yet executed. I imagine the gasp is followed with an awe of silence.

During this silence, an interesting transition takes place. Incense and the prayers of the saints are gathered together with hot coals on the altar and are presented before God as the smoke rises to Him. The censer (or fire pan) that once contained the hot coals for the altar is then filled with the contents of the altar — prayer, incense, and hot coals – and is hurled to the earth which is said to bring “thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.” Now think about that for a moment. Our prayers aren’t being thrown to the earth because they are ineffective or worthless. Indeed, they are precious, so much so that God’s response to them is partly His motivation for executing His wrath. He loves His children so much; He hears our prayers; He responds with love that says He will not allow evil to continue to affect us. Our prayers go before God’s work like a banner with our names written upon it. Not only do our prayers reflect our allegiance to God, but they reflect God’s allegiance and commitment to us.  

Today’s passage is a good reminder that while our prayers aren’t always answered right away, the wait is not a reflection of His commitment to us. God is always committed to us, and He often holds off on our prayers until He is ready. It is not always an easy thing to wait – sometimes we may even think He is deaf to our prayers – but today’s passage tells me that when people are praying during the most difficult time in the world’s history, God will store up those prayers for a future time when vindication and final peace will be accomplished. So let us not grow weary in our prayers. What may seem like useless prayers now may one day be revealed as a warehouse for God’s glory and vindication.

Thinking back over Sunday’s message, what things did God impress on you? How can it make a difference in your life this week?

Read Revelation 7:13-17.

Why are so many gathered around the throne to worship God and serve Him day and night — these countless ones who have come through the time of great tribulation from all over the world to worship at the throne with great reverence?  Oh, it is for very good reason:

• Their filthy robes have been washed white in the blood of Christ – symbolic of a life purified and cleansed.
• They will hunger no more.
• They will thirst no more.
• The sun and heat shall not beat down on them any longer.
• They have a Shepherd to guide them to springs of the water of life.
• He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Shortly after graduating from college, a group of us traveled down to Baja Mexico to work with some orphanages. During that time, we visited some homeless families. In particular was a family that lived at the local dump. In the wide expanse of trash sat a small house (shelter) built from cardboard sheets. The smoke from nearby trash burning along with the grime of refuse was visible on what I thought was well-tanned faces. Food… I can only imagine where it came from.

Now imagine being whisked away from this life and to a life most of have today. The contrast would be almost overwhelming. The smiles on our faces would be nearly permanent in disbelief. One day, that is going to be us as we experience even greater joy in the presence of God. I think added to that is the fact that we could have experienced just the opposite – even worse if not for the work of Christ.

Why are these people praising God? Who wouldn’t? All I can say is, “What a day that will be!”

Read Revelation 7:11-12.

The scene described in these verses is nearly identical to the scene in 5:11-13. They share similar qualities of God in their praise of Him: blessing, glory, wisdom, honor, power, and might. These worshipers are essentially saying, “God, may these qualities be attributed to You forever.” How often does that reflect your attitude and prayer to God?

There is something about giving God praise for His divine wisdom, His divine power and might. He is to be given glory for all things. He is to receive the blessing of all blessings we receive from Him. I would like to suggest that if that is our prayer every day, every moment, and in good times and difficult times, our attitudes about life will turn toward God. Have you ever questioned God’s wisdom or power? We all have. There will come a day when we will bow before His throne and recognize Him for all He is. That said, the reality of who He will be to us on that day is no different than who He is right now.

Would you like to make that a reality today? Then take time today and every day to bow reverently before God and praise Him and attribute to Him the blessing, glory, wisdom, honor, power, and might that are His. Give Him praise right now. Remember, “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).

Read Revelation 7:9-10.

When the time of great tribulation begins, will it be too late for people to turn to Christ? If I am understanding this passage correctly, there is going to be a countless number of people turning to Christ during the tribulation period (cf. v. 14). There will be saints from every nation, tribe, people, and language. It seems to me that the effects of the tribulation will be enough to convince people that Christ is the Messiah. It is unfortunate that it would take such devastation to turn people to Christ, but thankfully, many people will heed the warning signs and turn. If Christ returned today, I am hopeful that those I know who do not have a saving faith in Christ will still have an opportunity to turn to Christ. I certainly don’t wish upon them the hardships of those coming days, but if it means them turning to Christ, so be it.

With that in mind, it doesn’t mean our work here and now is not needed. Some may think that the tribulation times will provide enough convincing that we don’t need to share the gospel with others today. That is dangerous thinking considering we don’t know when those days of tribulation will begin, and even if we did, there is no assurance that they would know what is going on. If anything, sharing the gospel with others ought to include a little instruction regarding the coming tribulation. In so doing, should someone fail the receive Christ prior to those coming days, at least they would be able to connect the dots with our words and the reality of those days. Our sharing today could aid people in the future.  (I realize God’s sovereignty ultimately has control over one’s destiny, but humanly speaking, our words now are better than no words at all.)

With the revelation that a multitude of people from all over the world will come to a saving knowledge of Christ, it is encouraging to know that our work now will reap benefits in the future. Many will come to know Christ – a countless number, due in part to our efforts now in Christ. We mustn’t give up hope, because one day (and hopefully soon), people will see the reality of our words, repent, and trust in Christ as their savior. We may see this period of great tribulation as something horrible, but in fact, it will be many people’s saving grace.