July 6: TRUMPETS ARE MEANT TO BE HEARD
Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Revelation 8:3
Recall that the events triggered by the Lord’s opening of the seven seals dealt with the professed people of God. The downward tendency of the vast majority, as seen in the letters of chapters 2 & 3, demonstrates that there is still much conquering to do (mostly of self) along with preaching the pure gospel message for the sake of our Lord who has sacrificially provided every spiritual blessing. Thankfully, the symbolic white horse and its rider (6:2) are still riding over the earth. Overcoming that which is against or in the place of Jesus in our lives must become the central goal for Christ’s followers. Aid for the recognition of our need of Him in every aspect of life is abundantly supplied in the Word. It is in spending time in the Word, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, that God’s people can identify where they are faithless and disloyal. The humble saint never forgets that the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17).
The theological significance of the seven trumpets—to be remembered before God (Numbers 10:9)—is crucial. Think back to the rainbow as a sign of the divine promise to never again flood the whole earth (Genesis 9:16). God does not forget His promise, but we need to remember that He remembers. This is a faith-builder. Otherwise, a few clouds could cause widespread panic.
God’s remembering (trumpets) is linked to another vital aspect of His intervention on behalf of the saints. We know from Revelation 5:8 that the prayers of the saints are collected in heaven. The golden censer in our opening verse is here held by an angel. With much incense, prayers are offered . . . before the throne. Along with His promises, God also remembers our prayers.
At the opening of the fifth seal (6:9) we are reminded of the prayers that faithful martyrs uttered as they were slain. Historical records from the 1260-year period of the papacy’s free reign (538-1798) detailing many such murders, indicate that the martyrs often witnessed the martyrdom of other faithful ones before they were killed, many of the others being their own family members. Their cry was a plea for justice and deliverance. Do not mistake it as a demand for revenge, for every true saint will rejoice over the conversion of an enemy. For example, we can look forward with certainty to the ultimate joy of Stephen over the conversion of Paul. Stephen will be surprised by joy, and Paul will be thrilled with gratitude for Stephen’s unwavering faith (see Acts 7:59-8:1).
Thus far, we are shown a link between trumpets and God’s remembrance of His professed people. A deeper aspect of this is the remembrance of their prayers. And now, in order to properly identify another group: those who dwell on the earth is a phrase seen frequently in Revelation.* It refers to those who are lost. The trumpet judgements are specifically directed at the lost. But, as shown in the foreshadowing of the two verses below, Jesus is alerting us to the fact that there are many lost people among the professed people of God. The trumpet judgments are also for them.
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:3
…cares of this life, and that Day come upon you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:34b-35
*Revelation 3:10; 6:10; 11:10; 13:14; 14:6; 17:8