July 11: JOHN’S VISION OF THE THIRD TRUMPET

Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter. Revelation 8:10-11

The third trumpet judgment fell upon the compromised Christian church. Its gradual shift away from Biblical truth, blending with pagan society and ideas, began with Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan which declared Christianity to be legal. At the time, this edict had brought a welcome relief from the Roman government’s acute persecution of Christians. Ironically however, persecution had kept the church free of half-hearted members, or as Jesus might say ‘hangers on for bread and fish’ (see John 6:26). The “legal” status of Christianity moved into another category: “fashionable”! Remember that the persecuted (unfashionable) church at Smyrna received a letter from Jesus that was all commendation and no rebuke (see Revelation 2:8-11). Never make the mistake of thinking that living in accordance with the Word of God will be either “fashionable” or popular; however, compromise with the world is both.

The third church, Pergamos, began to allow compromise, and the downhill slide away from the pure gospel was set in motion (see Revelation 2:12-17). The words a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch immediately bring to mind the fall of Lucifer from heaven (Isaiah 14:12; Luke 10:18). But that occurred before our world was even created. Here we are seeing Satan’s influence “falling” directly into the church. As the third seal was opened and the black horse rode out (Revelation 6:5), a heavenly voice was heard by John regarding damage to the Bread of Life – the  Word – and a divine command for protection of oil and wine (v.6), signifying that the Holy Spirit and pure doctrine were still available for a correct understanding by any who truly desired them.

Rivers and . . . springs of water are often likened to spiritual nourishment and refreshment. But acceptance of false teachings is an invitation to the judgments of God. And the LORD said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts . . . I will feed them . . . with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.” (Jeremiah 9:13-15 – see also 23:15)

Church people who prefer teachings that do not harmonize with Scripture will certainly get what they prefer. But eventually they will discover that, apart from repentance and seeking forgiveness, they will drift further and further away from the Lord, leaving a deadly wake of influence. The enemy is only too ready to fill the inevitable void with rubbish. This is the judgment.

… you have turned justice into gall, And the fruit of righteousness into wormwood. Amos 6:12

And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. 2 Thessalonians 2:11