Read Revelation 9
Highlights:
The 5th trumpet is sounded bringing five months of torment, as the torment of a stinging scorpion. Men seek death . . . and death shall flee from them (Rev. 9:6). The 6th trumpet sounds and the third part of men on the earth are killed, yet those who remained repented not (9:20). The Holy City is trampled under foot forty and two months (11:2). The 7th trumpet sounds 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 (11:15).
A voice from heaven directed the Apostle John: Go and take he little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little Book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little Book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations (Rev. 10:8-11).
John is first given a little Book, symbolic of the Word of God. Once it was digested, he was qualified to tell the world that the little Book has a message that is sweet to those who receive Christ as Savior. As we eat His Word, the Scriptures give us understanding for our daily lives. We can live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt: 4:4).
Jesus said: I will give power unto My two witnesses (thought by some to be Moses and Elijah returned), and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore (1260) days, clothed in sackcloth (Rev. 11:3). They will face overwhelming opposition. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them (11:7). These two witnesses of Christ cannot be martyred until they have finished their testimony. Then, and only then, the enemies of God shall . . . kill them.
Regardless of how fearful our future may appear, we can enjoy the peace of God, knowing that everything is under His sovereign control. We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned (Rev. 11:17).
Thought for Today:
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? . . . Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows (Luke 12:6-7).
Cross References:
For Rev. 9:2: See Joel 2:10. Rev. 9:4: See Ex. 12:23. Rev. 9:6: See Jer. 8:3. Rev. 9:7: See Joel 2:4. Rev. 9:8: See Joel 1:6. Rev 9:9: See Joel 2:5-7. Rev. 10:6: See Neh. 9:6. Rev. 11:4: See Zech. 4:2-3,11-12,14. Rev. 11:11: See Ezek. 37:5.
Word Studies:
9:11 Abaddon (Apollyon or destroyer) satanic angel and king of the abyss reserved for the wicked; 10:6 time no longer no more delay.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. & Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Government Official: Sen. Evan Bayh (IN) • Country: Namibia (1.6 million) in southwest Africa • Major languages: Afrikaans and German • Religious freedom • 89% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other (Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: Commit your fears to the Lord; He will give you peace and strength (Dan. 10:19).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6