This is an excerpt from Rhema for Living Devotional by Pastor Ken Macaulay.

Wednesday, April 12th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 12 (Unveiling of a Book With Seven Seals).

"And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (Revelation 5:1).

In the fifth chapter of the book of Revelation, John saw a book on the right hand of God seated on the throne sealed with seven seals. Narrating his vision, John wrote; "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." (Revelation 5:2-3).

John wept bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. However, one of the elders said; "... Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (Revelation 5:5).

John saw Jesus as a lamb that appeared to have been slained having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he came and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne - Revelation 5:7.
When he did this, the four living creatures and twenty four elders fell down and worshipped the lamb and God that is seated on the throne with few songs of worship. The opening of the book with seven seals unveils the events of the future beginning from the days of the early church to the revelation of God's vengeance on the wicked people of this world and reward for the faithful saints.

Tomorrow, we will begin to look at these events some of which are already fulfilled. We will also know where we are in the time line of events as unveiled in the book with seven seals. Meanwhile, serve God continually with reverence and fear so that you will be counted worthy to escape the wrath of God.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for keeping the night watch for me and the opportunity to witness a glorious new day. I thank you also for unveiling the events of the future to us as contained in the book of Revelation. I ask for your grace to stay focus in my service towards you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 61:2, Jeremiah 46:10, Luke 21:22.


Thursday, April 13th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 13 (Opening of the First Seal).

"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.And I saw, and behold A WHITE HORSE: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."(Revelation 6:1-2).

The sixth chapter of the book of Revelation begins the unveiling of the events of the future through the opening of the seals one after the other. When the first seal was opened, John saw a white horse and on the horse is a rider with a bow and a crown given to him. And he had successive victories.

Who is the rider on that horse? And what does the colour white signifies in this context? Some Bible scholar says that the rider is Jesus himself. This can't be true because Jesus doesn't use a bow in warfare. A bow is a physical or carnal weapon and the scripture says that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

Jesus and his white horse is unveiled in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Revelation. And he makes war with a two edged sword in his mouth, not with a bow.

Quite a few other Bible scholars says the white horse represents the early church. This isn't also true. The church doesn't spread by physical war. We persuade men to receive the gospel through preaching and never by coercion.

There is also the assertion that it refers to the anti Christ. This is also far from the truth. This white horse rider has just a crown symbolic of one empire or a nation. The anti Christ will have ten crowns as the territory he will rule from will be a confederation of ten European countries - Revelation 13:1.

What then does it represent? The white horse rider represents the spiritual power behind the Roman emperors who beginning from the first century conquered most part of Europe, North Africa and near East. The Roman Empire generally experienced a period of prosperity and dominance in this period and the first century is remembered as part of the Empire's golden age. The white could be symbolic of the relative peace, prosperity and stability enjoyed during this period.

This event has already been fulfilled as Roman Empire already collapsed. Tomorrow, we will continue with the opening of the second seal. Make up your mind to serve the Lord without distraction as every single events in the book of Revelation will be fulfilled.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are worthy to be praised and adore. And I thank you for your goodness and faithfulness towards me and my family. You rule and reign in the affairs of men. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven in accordance to your predetermined plans in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 1:9, Revelation 1:1.


Friday, April 14th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 14 (Opening of the Second Seal).

"And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."(Revelation 6:3-4).

The opening of the second seal revealed a red horse and the rider was empowered to take peace from the earth and brought conflicts amongst nations that resulted in wars and great loss of lives.

This prophecy was fulfilled from the period of the first world war through to the second world war and other wars that took place in several nations across the world. Memory will not fail us to recall the Civil War that took place in Nigeria also.

Our Lord also predicted these wars during his earthly ministry. He said on the occasion he spoke about the events of the last days; "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."(Matthew 24:6-7).

Till date, there are still wars that are being fought in quite a few nations but cannot be compared with the devastations that World War 1 and 2 caused. Wars cannot cease in this present earth as the world cannot enjoy peace after rejecting the Prince of peace who is Jesus.

But in the midst of these wars, God is able to preserve the saints especially those who have a special mission on earth that must be accomplished. The relative peace we are having presently on earth is because of the presence of the church. And any moment from now, faithful saints will be raptured. Ensure you keep your garments clean, walk in love towards the brethren and stay committed to your responsibility so that you will be counted worthy to go with the Lord when he comes.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank for your mercy and grace that has kept me thus far. I commit my day into your hands trusting that only your counsel concerning me shall stand. Connect me with my destiny helpers and deliver me from wicked and unreasonable people in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 21:9-11, 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4.


Saturday, April 15th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 15 (Opening of the Third Seal).

"And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand." (Revelation 6:5).

Yesterday, we discussed the opening of the second seal which took peace away from the earth and brought wars. The opening of the third seal unveils a black horse and he that sat on it had a balance scale in his hand. The verse that follows the opening text reveals what the scale is used for. And it reads;

"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." (Revelation 6:6). The New Living Translation renders the first part of the verse thus; "And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay...”

The message is clear. There was a high rate of inflation which is expected as one of the negative effects of wars. It takes a day's wage to buy a loaf of wheat. It's like using three thousand naira (N3,000) you earn in a day's job to buy a loaf of bread which is supposed to cost N200 at most.

There was hunger in this period of the third horse and I believe that so many could have died from hunger. This is indicative of the colour of the horse. Black is a symbol of death and evil.

In spite of the high cost of stable food, the oil and the wine were untouched. The oil in the scripture is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. And we know that the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the salvation of souls. So, salvation will still be available free to those who are ordained to eternal life.

The wine represents the blood of Jesus. When Jesus instituted the communion, he said this cup of wine is the new testament in my blood. So the Holy Spirit will be there to convict the world of sin and the blood of Jesus will be available for cleansing.

So, war has no effect on the free gift of salvation provided on the platform of grace. God's mercy will always reach out to lost souls even in the time of deep crisis. The kingdom of darkness is only interested in the destruction of lives and properties but God is not willing that any soul should perish. It is however our responsibility to communicate this gospel to lost souls at all times. Remember that there is joy in heaven when souls are won into God's kingdom. Be an instrument even today to beam the light of the gospel to sinners so they can be reconciled back to God to the praise of his name.

Prayer: Holy Father, I worship before your throne in spirit and in truth. I thank you for the salvation of my soul and the gift of life. I ask for boldness to always communicate the gospel of our Lord Jesus to lost souls. And as I do, may those who are ordained to eternal life receive this free gift of salvation in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 24:7-8, John 3:1-7, 16:7-8.


Sunday, April 16th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 16 (Opening of the Fourth Seal).

"And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."(Revelation 6:7-.

The opening of the fourth seal reveals a pale horse and the name of the rider is death. This is actually the era we are living in. This prophecy is fulfilled before our very eyes. This is why there is so much news about death like it has never been before.

There are strange forms of death that was unheard of decades back. You hear news of a brother killing a sibling because of a banana that cost just N200. Husbands are killing wives and wives are killing husbands in such a manner that one wonders if they truly have conscience.

A recent news reported a houseboy who killed his master working in the Central Bank of Nigeria. He also killed his wife and their only son on the excuse that he refused to increase his salary. People kill these days at the slightest provocation. This is because the spirit of death is in the air influencing them from the realm of the spirit to act like beasts. And those who easily yield themselves to the voice of that wicked spirit of death end up as tools in the hand of the devil.

The rate of suicide is also much higher than ever. Terrorist groups are also making life unbearable for people living in regions where they kill at will. Ritual killings and assassinations are also on the rise on a daily basis. It takes the divine protection of God to keep one safe in our going out and coming in.
And the opening text says that the effect of the killings will be felt in at least a quarter of the world population. So, it might get worse in certain regions. We might likely see fresh wars among nations. Communal and cult clashes are also likely going to be on the increase.

Accompanying Death in his ride is Hell personified. This is a pointer to the fact that most of this killings are projected from hell itself. And most of these souls end up in the pit of hell.

Believers all over the world should therefore spend more time praying and reaching out to these lost souls through planned evangelism and crusades. Also stand in the gap for your fellow brethren, family members and friends. We are at the very end of this age. The coming of Christ is near. Let's take this gospel to where the sinners are and reconcile them back to God faster than the devil is snatching them to hell. Above all, take heed that you don't fall into errors that could disqualify you on that day.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for keeping me as the apple of your eyes. You have been my refuge from the storms of life and my help in times of need. I ask for your grace to do the work of soul winning as I should. Protect me, my brethren and my family members from the projection of death in every form in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Timothy 3:1-3, 1st John 2:18.


Monday, April 17th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 17 (Opening of the Fifth Seal).

" And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held." (Revelation 6:9).
The opening of the fifth seal unveiled the souls of believers who were slain for the word of God and the testimony which they held. The verse that follows the opening text reads; "And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:10).

The first thing that this verse reveals is that the souls of the dead are conscious. This is why they cried even though they were physically dead. This refutes the claim by some religious sects that the dead are not conscious. Death is not a cessation of existence. It's just a transition to the spirit world which is much more real than the physical world. While some of the souls of the dead go to hell after dead, the souls of those who are saved goes to heaven.

The second thing revealed by the verse above is that vengeance belongs to God. This is why they cried to God to take vengeance on those who slayed them. The wicked will never go unpunished. There are Christians who have been gruesomely murdered in the past and many more are being killed on a daily basis even in this part of the world. But God has set a day aside to take vengeance against this wicked and unreasonable people. But these souls were running out of patience. Thus, they asked; When will God take vengeance on them?

"... And it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." (Revelation 6:11).

The killings will continue even after the rapture of the church which will take place during the period the fourth horse will ride. And we are already in that era. The raptured Saints are actually the four living creatures revealed in the fourth chapter of the book of Revelation. Those who missed the rapture will go through a great tribulation period where they will be killed. And after they are killed, God will begin to take vengeance against the killers as will be revealed in the course of this study.

So, serve God in such a manner that you will not miss rapture when the last trumpet blows. Be diligent in church service attendance and the responsibility committed to your trust. Walk in love towards the brethren. Help the needy around you. Above all, preach Christ to lost souls and keep your garment clean. The rapture of the church is imminent. May you be found worthy to be caught up on that day together with other faithful saints.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, be thou exalted above the all heavens and let your glory be over all the earth. I thank you for revealing the mystery of your plans to us. I receive fresh grace to serve you in reverence and fear. Preserve my spirit, soul and body blameless unto the coming of my Lord Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Isaiah 63:4, Romans 12:19, Hebrews 11:4.

Tuesday, April 18th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 18 (Opening of the Sixth Seal).

"And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." (Revelation 6:12).

The opening of the sixth seal reveals what is about to happen to the earth just before the second coming of Christ. And this will be after the tribulation periods that will happen to the saints of the present church left behind and the Jews during last three and a half year reign of the anti Christ.

It’s important to note here that there will be two great tribulation periods. The first will be the persecution of the saints left behind after the rapture of the present church of the Gentiles. The second will be the tribulation period the Jews will go through in the last three and a half year reign of the anti Christ. It is this second tribulation period that Jesus made reference to in the twenty fourth chapter of the book of Matthew. The present day church at that time was still a mystery.

Our Lord Jesus said; "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." (Matthew 24:29). This affirms what John the beloved saw in his vision as contained in the opening text.

John in his vision also saw the stars of heaven falling and the heavens departing like a scroll. The sight will certainly be scary. In addition, he said that every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Furthermore, John said; "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? "(Revelation 6:15-17).

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for saving me from the wrath to come. I pray that your saving grace will reach out to lost souls as we share this gospel with them. Strengthen us to abide in the faith so we will not be condemned with the world in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Romans 2:5, Hebrews 10:25-31, 1st Peter 4:18.


Wednesday, April 19th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 19 (144,000 Jews Sealed for Protection).

"Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."(Revelation 7:3-4).

In the chronology of events of the last days we have studied so far, it is revealed that the faithful saints will be raptured first. They are actually the four living creatures before the throne of God in Revelation 4:6. The identity of the four living creatures is confirmed in Revelation 5:9. And the rapture will take place during the period the fourth horse is riding which is the time we are living in.
Immediately after the rapture of the church, the saints left behind will face great tribulation. Those who will still hold on to their faith will be saved but they will all be persecuted to death. Prior to this persecutions, the souls of those who were slain cried for vengeance at the opening of the fifth seal. And they were told to rest awhile until they have slain the other brethren like they were slain - Revelation 6:11.

And the remaining brethren will be slain during the great tribulation period. After the great tribulation periods, God will take vengeance against these wicked people of this world. But before he does that, 144,000 Jews will be sealed for protection so that they will not be affected by the judgment.

The 144,000 are from the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel; 12,000 from each tribe. However, the 12 tribes listed excluded the tribe of Dan which was one of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel. Bible scholars said Dan was excluded because they rejected the land allotted to them. In addition, they chose another land and went into idolatry.

It's imperative to mention here that the present day church is sealed with the Holy Spirit. But the 144,000 Jews will be sealed on their forehead because the ministry of the Holy Spirit ends with the rapture of the church. In addition, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin will be over after the rapture. No one will be saved among the Gentiles after the rapture of the church. Only those who are already saved but missed the rapture will have the opportunity to still make heaven if they cleanse themselves from their sins and hold on to their faith. The tribulation saints will be the focus of our study tomorrow.

Prayer: Great and Mighty God, hallowed be your name. I thank you for your mercy and grace upon my life. I thank you for the opportunity given to us to be part of your kingdom. I pray that you will deliver me from every temptations designed to disqualify me from making the rapture of the church in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Revelation 7:1-8, Romans 2:5.

Very interesting

TinubuDeDrugLor:
Very interesting

Sure it is.

God be praised, and may His grace be sufficient for us, Amen.

Thursday, April 20th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 20 (The Tribulation Saints).

"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of GREAT TRIBULATION, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."(Revelation 7:13-14).

After the 144,000 Jews were sealed for protection against the wrath of God that is about to be unleashed, John wrote; "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands." (Revelation 7:9).

One of the elders asked John; "...What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?"(Revelation 7:13). The Elder asked John this question because the raptured saints were already in heaven. So, where did these ones come from? And they are too many to be numbered.

Well, John said he doesn't know. And the Elder revealed to him that they are the saints which came out of great tribulation. This statement refutes the claim by some Bible scholars that all believers will go through the great tribulation. If this claim is true, the question of their identity will be unnecessary.

Further details about these tribulation saints revealed that they are not the entire body of Christ. The later part of verse 14 says they "have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." It means their robes were stained with sin. If it's true that they represent the entire church, it implies that the whole church is in sin. And we know that this can't be true because Christ is coming for a glorious church without spot, wrinkle or any blemish - Ephesians 5:27.

So, the raptured church as I earlier revealed are the four beast or four living creatures before the throne. The tribulation saints at the time of rapture had stains on their garments. So, they missed the rapture. However, most of them made it after receiving cleansing by the blood of the lamb and also reaffirmed the Lordship of Jesus over their lives. Howbeit, they will all be persecuted to death. And so many who can't endure the persecution will renounce their faith and be eternally doomed.

The choice is yours. Be faithful in your service to God and keep your garment clean if you want to make the rapture. The second opportunity will not be an easy one. They will devise different means of torture just to make you renounce your faith. Tomorrow, we will throw a little more light on the tribulation saints of this present day church of the Gentiles.

Prayer: Righteous and Everlasting Father, be thou glorified above all else. I thank you for saving me and getting me acquainted with what we befall the lost souls and disobedient believers in the last days. I ask for grace to serve you better and live a life that is pleasing to you in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 1st Thessalonians 5:9, Colossians 3:1-6.

Friday, April 21st.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 21 (The Tribulation Saints - Continued).

"Therefore are they (tribulation saints) before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." (Revelation 7:15).

Yesterday, we talked about the tribulation saints. They missed the rapture on account of sin. However, they still made it having washed their stained garments by the blood of the lamb. But they will all be persecuted unto death for holding on to their faith.

Besides notable sins such as fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, murder and idolatry, three are other forms of sin that could make a believer miss the rapture. Example of sins that could make you miss the rapture are; deliberate abstinence from fellowship, ignoring the need of brethren when it's within your power to help, lack of commitment in church and refusal to preach the gospel to lost souls.

The opening text said that these tribulation saints are before the throne of God and serve him day and night. It's interesting to know that the service they were reluctant to attend on earth is now a daily routine in heaven.
The verse that follows the opening text reads; "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." (Revelation 7:16). What made them hungry and thirsty? Why were they under the scorching heat of sun? It was because of the persecutions they faced.

On account of it, , they could not come out publicly to buy food to eat or water to drink. They could not also stay in their homes because they will search everywhere for them. Most of them will definitely be under the scorching heat of the sun in attempt to run for safety. But at the end of the day, there will no hiding place. Helicopters and drones will be deployed to search them all out, arrest and persecute them to death.

I don't think any wise believer would love to go through this tribulation. It's not going to be a pleasant experience. It's therefore better to dedicate your life to his service now on earth. Stop skipping church services. Be involved in soul winning. Help those in need around you especially the brethren. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."(1st Thessalonians 5:23).

Prayer: Glorious Father, I thank you for the privilege to see another wonderful day. You are worthy of my praise and adoration. I thank you for the opportunity given to me to be a part of your kingdom. I ask for grace to serve you diligently and keep the faith to the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Hebrews 10:25-31, Matthew 25:41-46, Ephesians 5:1-6.

Saturday, April 22nd.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 22 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement).

"And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up."(Revelation 8:6-7).

The persecution of the saints that will be left behind after the rapture of the church will end the church age. A great multitude of believers will through the great tribulation and still make it. But it isn't going to be a pleasant experience.

After the church age of the Gentiles has ended, God will resume his dealings with the Jews who are presently experiencing spiritual blindness. This is why Paul wrote; "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that BLINDNESS IN PART is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."(Romans 11:25).

But before God resumes his dealings with the Jews, he will take vengeance against the wicked rulers and people who persecuted the church. These vengeance will be unveiled by the seven trumpet judgment. At the blast of the trumpet seven different times by angels assigned, a specific judgment or plague will be unleashed on these wicked people.

The last part of the opening text said that the first angel sounded and there followed HAIL AND FIRE MINGLED WITH BLOOD, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. It is certainly going to be a scary site to behold. And in just a few hours, every green grass and one third of all trees will be burnt up. This first trumpet is the beginning of sorrow, torments and severe punishment on the wicked people of the earth.

John continued his narration saying; "And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed."(Revelation 8:8-9).

Just imagine waking up to see the rivers turned into blood. The death of one third of the creatures in the sea will definitely cause the whole land near the sea to stink. Goods worth billions of dollars will be lost as one third of the ships will be destroyed. Two trumpet judgment are over. Five more are yet to come. Tomorrow, we will continue with the study of the seven trumpet judgment of God.

Prayer: Dear Father, who is like unto thee? You are glorious in holiness and fearful in praises. None can match the greatness of your power. I thank you for the living hope I have in Christ. Deliver me from every plot of Satan to sway me away from the faith in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: 2nd Thessalonians 1:6-8, Romans 12:19.

Sunday, April 23rd.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 23 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters." (Revelation 8:10).

Yesterday, we looked at the first two judgment that were unleashed on the earth at the blast of the trumpet by the first two angels. The opening text says that the third angel sounded and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.

Stars are so far away from the earth such that it will take light years for light from the star to get to the earth. In addition, they are so big that the sun is considered to be the smallest star. They are equally as hot as the sun but they look so small because they are trillions of miles away from the earth. Some stars are even hotter than the sun.

So, a star falling on the earth is like trying to smash an ant with a sledge hammer. However, as it falls, it disintegrates into smaller parts otherwise no one on earth will survive the destruction it will cause if it falls as a single mass.

The fallen stars have to fall at a speed faster than the speed of light to stand the chance of reaching the earth in the shortest possible time. Even at the speed of light, it will take a star about 4 years to get to the earth. But John in his narration saw the stars reaching the earth almost as soon as the angel sounded the third trumpet. The speed is beyond what science can explain.

Well, the verse that follows the opening text reads; "And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter." (Revelation 8:11). The star that fell was not only bitter, it was poisonous and so many people died when they drank the water that was contaminated with the star.

Thank God we will not be on earth to witness these judgment on the wicked people of the world. Don't permit the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the pleasures of the world to lure you away from the faith. Make effort to overcome them so you can be counted worthy to escape God's wrath.

Prayer: Merciful and Gracious God, I worship you in the beauty of holiness. You are great in counsel and mighty in deed. The works of your hands testify of your goodness and greatness. I commit my day into your mighty hands. Deliver me from every evil works of darkness and fulfill the good pleasure of your will in my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 8:3-6, Nahum 1:2.

Monday, April 24th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 24 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. (Revelation 8:12).

Three judgment at the blast of trumpet thrice by angels is passed. Now, according to the opening text the fourth angel sounded and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise..

One third of the sun, moon and stars were affected aa soon as the fourth angel sounded his trumpet. One third of the day became dark on account of this. So also is one third of the night. But no lives were lost. But it will certainly put fear in the heart of those present at that time.

John continued his narration saying; "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (Revelation 8:13). In other words, these wicked people should get ready for the worst as the last three angels are about to sound their trumpets that will result in fearful and unimaginable punishment.

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power."(Revelation 9:1-3).

The torment these locusts will bring to these wicked people can better be imagined than experienced. This will be the focus of our study tomorrow. Meanwhile, "...be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1st Corinthians 15:58).

Prayer: Dear Father, blessed be your glorious name which is exalted above all else. Your steadfast love endures to the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Guide me through this day with your very eyes. Lead me in the right path you have planned for me to take. I will live the rest of my life to your praise and glory in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 1:4-6, Isaiah 5:16, Hebrews 10:30-31.

Tuesday, April 25th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 25 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them." (Revelation 9:6).

The seven trumpet judgment is God's vengeance against the wicked people of this world who persecuted and killed Christians at will. We are on the fifth trumpet judgment. At the blast of the fifth trumpet, special breed locust will be released.

The scripture says; "And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be TORMENTED FIVE MONTHS: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man."(Revelation 9:4-5).

And during the five months of torments, according to the opening text; men shall seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. This is the punishment for the wicked and unjust people of this world who will be on earth as at the time of this judgment.

We know the great discomfort one feels when mosquitoes harass you throughout the night talk more of a special breed locust whose teeth are like that of a lion and whose sting is like that of a scorpion. One sleepless night alone can affect you the next day. But the torment of these locust is such that you won't sleep for five months, you may not also be able to eat and yet, you are not permitted to die.

Please, if you are reading this devotional, give your life to Christ before it's too late. And if you are already born again, serve God with undivided attention. "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, merciful and gracious, I glorify your holy name. I thank you for assigning your angels to watch over me through the night hour and protect me throughout the day. I ask for your enabling grace to keep the faith and finish the race till the end in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Proverbs 11:21, Judges 1:14-15.

Wednesday, April 26th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 26 (The Seven Trumpet Judgement - Continued).

"And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." (Revelation 9:13-14).

After the five months torment of the special breed locust is over, the sixth angel will sound its trumpet. And the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates will be loosed as contained in the opening text.
These four angles which will be loosed are assigned to slay one third of men in the space of one year, one month and one hour - Revelation 9:15. But they will achieve this feat with an army of two hundred million - Revelation 9:16. Details of the identity of these armies were not given.

In addition John saw the weapons that will be used by these armies. The description fits modern day armored tanks. He described them as horses from which issued fire and smoke and brimstone out of their mouths.

It should be noted that the sixth trumpet judgment alone will take over a year to execute. And these events are part of what will happen after the rapture of the church. At this point the anti Christ who will rule for seven years is not yet revealed. So, it's impossible for anyone to correctly predict the year Jesus Christ will come back to establish his millennium reign on earth.

John concluded the narration of the sixth trumpet judgment thus; "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet REPENTED NOT of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: NEITHER REPENTED THEY of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."(Revelation 9:20-21).

Notice the phrase, 'repented not'. There will be no repentance after rapture. Now is the time of salvation. Every believer should wake up and preach the gospel to lost souls. Believers who are not involved in soul winning activities may not make heaven. So, don't think all these punishment are for sinners alone. God's wrath will also fall upon the children of disobedience.

Prayer: Dear Father, I thank you for waking me up this morning to see another glorious day. It's not because of my righteousness but because of your mercy. I ask for mercy in my shortcomings especially in the aspect of soul winning. I ask for fresh grace and boldness to reach out to lost souls in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Psalms 9:7-8, Colossians 3:6.

Thursday, April 27th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 27 (The Seventh Trumpet and The Two Witnesses).

"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:7).

The blowing of the trumpet by the seventh angel will complete the mystery of God according to the opening text. What is the mystery of God in this context? It is the hidden secret he had for the Gentiles which is now revealed to the Prophet and the Apostles.

According to Apostle Paul; "How that by revelation he made known unto me THE MYSTERY; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the MYSTERY OF CHRIST) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOWHEIRS, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel."(Ephesians 3:3-6).

Before the revelation of this mystery, the Jews were seen as the only people chosen by God. In addition, the Gentiles were seen as an inferior race of people. But God had a plan to make the Gentiles part of his family with equal status. And this is accomplished in Christ.

Hence, Apostle Paul wrote; "For through him we both (Jews and Gentiles) have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:18-19).

After the blast of the seventh trumpet, this mystery will be completely executed. And all other nations which the kingdom of darkness had control over will become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ - Revelation 11:15.

But before the seventh angel sound the last trumpet of vengeance, two witnesses will be empowered to prophecy for one thousand, two hundred and sixty days which roughly translates to three and a half years. The prophetic ministry of these two witnesses resumes God's dealings with the children of Israel. The mission of these two witnesses and who they are likely to be will be the focus of our study tomorrow.

Prayer: My Father in heaven, hollowed by your name. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You work out everything according to the good counsel of your will. I thank you for the word that I hold on to as the anchor of my soul even in trying moments. I also thank you for the gift of your Spirit who comforts us and abides with us until the redemption of your purchased possession in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Ephesians 1:9, 2:11-15, Romans 16:25.

Friday, April 28th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 28 (The Prophetic Ministry of the Two Witnesses).

"And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." (Revelation 11:3-4).

We said yesterday that before the blast of the seventh trumpet, God will empower two witnesses to prophesy for 1,260 days. According to the scripture; "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed." (Revelation 11:5).

So, their prophetic ministry is unstoppable for the period of time assigned to them to carry out their ministry. In addition the Bible says; "These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will." (Revelation 12:6).

Who are the likely characters that are assigned this prophetic ministry? The first likely character is Elijah. According to the scripture; "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Malachi 4:5). No wonder verse 6 said that they have the power to shut heaven, so it will not rain in the days of their prophecy. This was one of the the notable miracles Elijah performed before he was taken by the Lord.

The second character is likely going to be Moses because he was the only Prophet who turned water into blood and smote Egypt with all manners of plague. However, the setback in this is that the prophets both were killed after they ended their prophecy. And it is appointed unto man to die once.

The question then is, did Moses really died? He was told to come up to the mountain and die but the Jews never saw his dead body. So, it's possible he really did not die but God chose to keep it as a secret. Otherwise, he would have permitted them to give him a befitting burial. And if the Jews found out that Moses did not die, they probably would have made him an object of worship.

We should also remember that it was Moses and Elijah that appeared to Jesus during the transfiguration of Jesus. These two Prophets thus have a unique role to play in the latter days. Their prophetic ministry resumes God's plan for the Jews. And they are the prophets assigned to preach the gospel as a witness unto all nations before the end comes - Matthew 24:14.

After they ended their prophetic ministry, they were killed by the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit. They refused to bury them and rather displayed their dead body on the street of Jerusalem (which is spiritually referred to as Sodom and Gomorrah) for three and a half days. But on the third day, the spirit of life from God entered them and they stood on their feet after which they were caught up to heaven.

There was a great earthquake and a tenth part of the city (Jerusalem) fell, seven thousand people died and the remnant gave glory to God. Soon after this, the scripture said, "...seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15). But the salvation plan of God is not complete until the Jews are reconciled back to God. And this will happen after their dramatic relationship with the AntiChrist which is about to be revealed. This will be the focus of our study tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, you are worthy to be praised and adored. Besides you, there is no other God. Heaven and earth adore you and angels bow before you. I thank you for counting me worthy to be a fellow citizen with the saints and joint heirs with Christ. I pray that you preserve my spirit, soul and body blameless unto the coming of my Lord Jesus in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Luke 1:17, 9:29-30, Hebrews 9:27.

Saturday, April 29th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 29 (The Revelation of the Anti Christ and the False Christ).

"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(Revelation 13:1).

The opening text is a revelation of the anti Christ that will rule from a confederation of ten European countries. This is represented by the ten crowns upon his ten horns. The seven heads is later revealed to be seven mountains on which the woman (city) sits - Revelation 17:9. The only city that sits on seven mountain is Rome. Rome will be the headquarter of the new kingdom. Hence, the kingdom of this anti Christ is also referred to as the revived Roman Empire by Bible scholars. This kingdom is represented by the ten toes in the image of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. It will be the last kingdom of darkness on earth.

John continued his narration saying; "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."(Revelation 13:4-5).

This revived Roman Empire will be the new super power nation on earth. America and Russia will be submissive to this new super power. Verse 5 above said that he is permitted to continue for forty two months which translates into three and a half years.
The total number of years the anti Christ will rule is seven years. Isreal will experience peace for the first three and a half years of the reign of the anti Christ because of the peace treaty they entered into with the anti Christ as revealed by Daniel - Daniel 9:27.

The second prominent figure that will play a significant role is the false Christ which is revealed as the second beast in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Revelation - Revelation 13:11. He is also known as the false prophet. He will be accepted by the Jews as their long awaited Messiah. He is pictured as having two horns which represents Judah and Isreal. And he spoke like a lamb which signifies the false role he will play as the Messiah. Jesus is the true lamb of God but this beast will also pretend to be the lamb of God.

The scripture says; "And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,"(Revelation 13:12-13).

John continued saying; "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."(Revelation 13:14-15).

This false Christ or second beast will play a significant role in interrupting the peace treaty entered into. And what he will do after the first three and a half of years will take away the blindness that has been covering the eyes of the Jews. And when this blindness is taken away, they will realize that they have been deceived and Jesus who they had earlier rejected is truly the Messiah. But it will be a period of great trouble for the Jews. And all the predictions Jesus made in Matthew 24 will be fulfilled. This will be the focus of our discussion tomorrow.

Prayer: Dear God and Father of my Lord Jesus, I bow my knees and worship you in the beauty of holiness. I thank you for working out things in accordance to your predestined plan for us all. I pray that your purpose for the salvation of the remnants of the children of Israel will be accomplished in due time in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Daniel 2:40-45, 7:19-27, Revelation 13:6-10.

Sunday, April 30th.

Exposition on the Book of Revelation - 30 (The Mark of the Beast, Great Tribulation Period and the Second Coming of Christ).

"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads" (Revelation 13:15-16).

Yesterday, we unveiled the anti Christ and the false Christ. His empire which is a confederation of ten European countries will be the new super power on earth. The second beast who is the false Christ will set up an image of the this anti Christ after three and a half years reign of the beast. This image will be empowered to talk and everyone on earth will be forced to worship this image.

According to Daniel, this image will actually be set up in the temple of God. This is what our Lord Jesus referred to as the abomination that causes desolation in the twenty fourth chapter of the book of Matthew - Matthew 24:15. It is the setting up of this image that will open the eyes of the Jews to know that this second beast is a false Christ. And the anti Christ and the false Christ will unleash great persecutions on Israel as a nation.

Hence Jesus said; "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." (Matthew 24:21-22).

The false Christ will cause people to receive a mark on their foreheads or on their right hands or the number 666 without which you cannot buy or sell. The Jews at this point will be persecuted to death. After the persecution, the 144,000 that were earlier sealed will be raptured. They are the elect Jesus talked about in Matthew 24:31.

At the end of the tribulation period, there will be Seven Vail Judgment on the Kingdom of the anti Christ and the worshippers - Revelation 16. After this, Jesus will come back with some saints from heaven and make war with the beasts. He will defeat them and cast them into the Lake of Fire. Satan will be bound for 1,000 years and Jesus will establish his millennium reign on earth. And the faithful Saints shall reign with him on earth.

Prayer: Eternal Father, I magnify and exalt your holy name. Thank you for the unveiling of your grace that has brought salvation to mankind. May your kingdom be established on earth according to your divine plan and purpose in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Further Study: Matthew 24:15-31, Revelation 19:11-21.