October 17, 2022

Then the seventh angel sounded [his trumpet]: and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15

Between the sixth and seventh trumpets (as well as the sixth and seventh seals) there are significant and sizeable interludes. These interludes, indicating a pause just prior to the final event, call for reflection, study, and diligent preparation for the return of Christ. The patterns in Scripture that brings us around repeatedly to the point of the return of Jesus are divinely laid out to prepare us for that Day. This preparation is for every follower of Christ, whether we die before His return or are still alive when He comes. For prepared believers who have died, the time between death and the return of Jesus will seem only a blink, the twinkling of an eye . . .

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

The interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets points us to the book of Daniel. In these last days, things that even Daniel did not understand are opened to God’s last-day people.

But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end. Daniel 12:4a* (see also v.8-9)

I saw still another angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He had a little book open in his hand . . . “Take and eat it . . .”  Revelation 10:1-2a, 9b

Jesus pointed His followers to the book of Daniel (Matthew 24:15). Since that time, the unfolding of history makes even more clear many of the finer points in the revelations given to Daniel. The first century Christians took seriously the admonitions of Jesus. None of them perished during the first trumpet plague, the incredible destruction of Jerusalem and the temple executed by Roman general Titus and his armies in AD70.

With the advantage of the historical record of the last two thousand years, and clearer understanding of Daniel’s writings, brighter light shines upon John’s vision in Revelation, and we are aided to gain understanding that previous generations did not have. With modern technology, we are enabled to go to and fro quickly and efficiently in the word of God. Many accounts from the Old Testament are now understood as foreshadowing of last-day events.

That which has been is what will be. That which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

*. . . many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:4b

And [the angel] said to [John], “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Revelation 22:10