READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The late Eugene Peterson read Revelation not to gain more information but to revive his imagination. We too can use our imagination as we visualise the scenes foretold in Revelation. The seven trumpets in Revelation are a solemn warning from God to the world of impending judgement. The trumpets are neither celebratory nor ceremonial, but to warn an unbelieving world which lives in rebellion to God and violates God’s will and creation.
Seven Trumpets
With the first trumpet, the earth is stricken with hail and fire, destroying a third of the vegetation on earth. With the second trumpet, the sea is stricken, destroying one third of sea creatures and ships. With the third trumpet, the fresh water system is stricken, poisoning a third of the rivers and springs of water. With the fourth trumpet, the heavens are stricken, keeping a third of day and night from shining. With the fifth trumpet, humankind (without the seal of God) is tormented by locusts and plagues for five months. With the sixth trumpet, four angels are released to kill one third of humankind. This serves as a warning of God’s wrath against sin and evil, but the unbelieving people still refuse to repent. The seventh trumpet, marks the arrival of the reign and wrath of God. By then, it would be too late for those who remain as unbelievers.
Warning for the World
Although the seven trumpets are warnings of judgement for the world, it also carries a message for us as the church.
God has heard our prayers
The judgements show that God has heard our prayers. It is a warning that God is paying attention and will take action, to avenge those who had lost their lives for the gospel. (Rev 6:9-10) The seven trumpets are an answer to their cry for justice. We matter to God and we will witness his compassion and righteous anger. The judgement shows that God cares and is not indifferent to sin and evil.
God is showing mercy
The judgements hint at God’s mercy. The plagues echoed those in Exodus, which were not punitive but purgative. The intention was not to make pharaoh miserable, but to purge and cleanse pharaoh of his pride and turn his heart towards repentance and God. Similarly, the trumpets warn the world to repent, while there is still time. The destruction of first six trumpets is partial. God mercifully set boundaries on the length and extent of the torment; and limited the destruction to one third. This would allow the majority of mankind to survive and be given a chance to repent. The wicked world is offered mercy, but it would not come to its senses and repent. The Lord is patient, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. (2 Pet 3:9)
Final judgement will come
After the warnings, there will be a final judgement. The world desperately needs to listen to the witness of God’s people and repent; before the final trumpet announces the arrival of the reign and wrath of God. Even at that point, it is not because God’s patience has run out. Rather it is because humanity’s ability to respond has been fully exhausted. Human hearts have become so completely hardened that repentance is no longer possible. The trumpets alone do not bring about repentance. The role of the church to declare the truth faithfully, in the midst of turmoil.
We are God’s messengers!
Our lives, shaped by the Holy Spirit, are God’s message to the world. We are called to take up the authority to share the gospel and speak the truth about Jesus. Our witness, stories, faithful presence and prayers do matter. We are the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to souls who may not hear or understand God’s warning. Our gentle and humble witness must come from a posture of repentance and not being judgmental of what others have failed to do. Clothed in repentance and humility, we serve as living letters of love and hope. We must be prepared to suffer for the gospel. Witnesses who remain faithful, even to death, are never truly defeated. Their suffering breaks open the hard soil of hardened hearts. Our witness flows, not from force or power, but from love and a willingness to serve and suffer as Jesus did.
The trumpets in Revelations are divine warnings urging everyone to turn from darkness to light. God works through human messengers, in extending His hope and mercy to a world in peril. Evangelism is the calling of every believer. Let us step forward in faith and compassion. May the Holy Spirit grant us the boldness to break through our fears, wisdom to know the right word and the tenderness as we offer to others the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
- Read selected passages concerning the 7 trumpets and the 2 witnesses from Revelation (Rev 8:6–13; 9:1–21; 11:1–19). Share a time you experienced a sudden public warning (e.g., fire drill, weather alert, air raid siren). How did you feel and respond?
- Recall Sermon
- What do trumpets usually signify? Recall other scriptures where trumpets are mentioned. What is the significance of the trumpets in Revelation 8 to 11?
- How is God’s mercy shown even in these passages from Revelation 8 to 11? (Read also 2 Peter 3:9)
- Read Revelation 9:20 and Romans 10:14-17. Why isn’t warning sufficient to lead people to repentance and salvation?
- Relate Personally
- What are the two general types of truth mentioned? Which type of truth do you tend to focus on? Which does your workplace and your small group need more of?
- As you read Revelation 11:1–12 and ponder God’s mercy, how would you describe the witness God is calling us to embody?
- Commit to Action
- What is one concrete way you will live out the kind of witness described here till you meet again as a small group?
- How will you shape your words and actions so your life points others toward God’s mercy this week?
