Two days ago, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Southeast Asia. There are thousands of people dead and injured and aftershocks are still expected. Families are still digging for survivors. Going back to our text in Revelation 11:13 “There was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed…and survivors were terrified…” This verse resonates deeply in the light of the recent tragedy in Southeast Asia. How do we interpret these events? How do we read Revelation? These writings use symbols and images and are not meant to be taken literally.
Asia Minor in the first century, experienced its own seismic activity during the reign of Domitian. He executed those who opposed him, imposed heavy taxes on the Jewish people and built pagan temples. Historians estimate that Christians in the time of Revelation were only 7,000-8,000. Will the church still survive in dreadful times?
Seven Trumpets and Interlude (Revelation 8-11:19)
This passage is part of a series of visions that reveal God’s plan for the world. The four trumpets, two more, the interlude and the final trumpet.
In these visions we see the destruction of those who oppose the reign of the Lamb. In the previous passage, John’s vision showed that judgment affected a quarter of the earth and now a third of the earth, indicating that judgment is getting closer.
According to Eugene Peterson, these visions are cross-fertilizing metaphors to help with our imagination.
The Commissioning Vision (Revelation 10-11)
In chapter 11, John speaks about two witnesses who will be prophesying. These two witnesses are described as two “olive trees” and the “two lampstands.” (zechariah 4). They represent those who will proclaim God’s truth, just like Moses and Elijah They will suffer just as the slain Lamb was killed but resurrected.
Change the world vs Faithful Presence
Our call is not to change the world but to remain faithful to the Lamb. When we are obedient to God’s call, it is the Spirit of the living God which brings about changes and transformation in the world. Our task is to be faithful presence, with patient endurance, following and living out the truth of the Slain Lamb.
Before the Seventh trumpet sounds, we are called to be witnesses- not just in words but through our lives. The angel’s call to “prophesy again” challenges us to respond to the One on the Throne and the Slain Lamb. How will we answer the call in our lives?
How do you understand the text we read in the light of the catastrophe that happened in Southeast Asia? Do you associate it with the judgment from God?
How do you read the visions and images that John received and gave to the Church, affecting the faith of these believers? Did they listen and obey? What do you think are the problems they endured?
God has given his people warnings, in the first century and in our world today. What is the state of our country, the world now? How are we different or similar from John’s audience?
As Christians we feel that we have to change the world and make it a better place. What is Revelation teaching us? How do we help our church community, our DNA family to be a faithful presence?
