His Power

DEVOTION

THE REVELATION

HIS POWER

Rev 8:8-9

8 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

NIV

Here is the second of the trumpets being blown and we could imagine seeing a great mountain all ablaze, such as either with all its trees on fire, or perhaps it is a volcano in the midst of an eruption, being cast into the sea. There is some symbolism at work here and some scholars would suppose the mountain represents a great nation at war, including a naval battle which causes many deaths and the blood of men make the waters red with blood. But again this is man’s vision of human actions rather than the power of God at work bringing men to repentance. Of what value is knowing about either the destruction of a past empire such as the Roman Empire, or some future empire? How would that knowledge enhance our relationship with God? How would that knowledge bring more people to repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? But if an actual mountain, volcano such as the size of Mt Saint Helens were lifted from the earth and cast into the ocean it would cause many people to stop in their tracks and take notice. Whichever it is, symbolism or reality it is the power of God at work. All that he does is for the sake of his creation whom he loves dearly. Although his wrath is going to be upon those who refuse him, it is by their own choosing to experience his wrath. Just imagine how much damage to the world’s fishing industry is being done by this second trumpet sound. We do not know the time frame between the first and the second trumpet blasts, nor to the third and so on through all seven. Therefore it may well be one at a time allowing the power of God to sink into the hearts of men. Although some might still say this mountain falling into the sea was just a result of global warming caused by man and now we have killed off many of the fish of the sea, putting a third of the fishing fleet out of business, resulting in economic chaos. We need to see God is at work, demonstrating his power and absolute authority over all creation. Our God, the Almighty God, desires for all mankind to know him, acknowledge his Son, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. But a day is coming when as with Noah, he will shut the door, and those who are not in the ark of safety, the cross of Christ, will be destroyed. But as far as this moment in time at the sound of the second trumpet, God is still keeping the door open. Who will warn the people? Who will go to tell them of this impending disaster? We keep telling people of the love of God, how he wants to bless them, how he wants to give them eternal life. But have we warned them of the dangers of refusing him? There have been some who have heard this message from our voice, but perhaps not enough have heard that message. Maybe it is time to speak up once again, reminding those who have not believed as yet, they still have time before God closes the door. Who will go? Here we are Lord, send us, before all this destruction.