Revelation 8-9 Q&A
Here are some brief answers to our questions from our Sunday evening service. If you would like to discuss more, please call me or email at bruces@stphils.org.au.
Most questions were answered on Sunday - well done to the team! And Jason did blow the trumpet again - yay! So answers are a brief recap mostly of answers given...
1. Any tips for overcoming that small voice saying ‘this is a bit ridiculous, who thinks about locusts wearing armour?’
Apocalyptic language really does engage our imaginations to consider something beyond what we have seen. Why? In order to help us understand the drama of these events. Locusts are not good to have around. And locusts with armour are simply... terrifying!
Add to this the thought that the Romans, who were passing on John's letters, would have had no idea what he was writing about! This sort of language would have made the letter to the churches seem silly, even crazy, and therefore not a threat to the Empire. So it is possible this sort of language was to assist the easy distribution of the letter and minimise pressure from the Romans.
Finally, culturally, it possibly made a lot more sense to those of the time.
2. Could this be an image of what’s happening now ?
Yes - most certainly. The world is unravelling as we speak. Creation is not what it was meant to be because of sin. This most certainly shows us what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen.
3. What's the significance of 5 months torture? Is it only temporary or a warning of more to come?
This is interesting. Some say the life cycle of a locust is 5 months, so that's one reason.
Some say that 5 months, or 150 days, is the time it took for the waters to recede after the flood in Genesis. (Genesis 8:3)
Others say 5 months, or 150 days, represents 150 years in Biblical literature. Jesus arrived around 150 years (maybe 160) after Antiochus Epiphanes IV, one of the world rulers believed to be prophesied in Daniel.
So why 5 months? I don't believe we know... for sure. It is easy to get trapped in the details, but it is, essentially, a limited time.
4. How can we be so sure that the Bible is the original saying of its writers and not lost in translation and time?
This is a super big question and best left for a much longer discussion. However, can I point you to a great podcast by John Dickson called "Undeceptions". Warning - these are addictive! Some great topics from a world-leading Biblical scholar and lots of his smart friends! Easy to understand. Here's one podcast that you might find starts to address this question:
As a Christian, I also hold a lot of confidence in the work of God who, by his Holy Spirit, ensures his word goes out as intended. This explains why some people with even a fraction of a Bible text, and sometimes in a terribly awkward translation, can come to know Jesus. God works through his Spirit!
5. There appears to be a pattern of escalating judgement (seals - 1/4, trumpets - 1/3, bowls - complete), each in a 4-2-1 pattern (bad-worse-praise to God). Why?
Yes - good pick-up here - it is all escalating. It's not getting better. And the recap of the 7's - seals, trumpets, bowls - is meant to give us the sense of things getting closer and closer. Despite all our efforts, the world continues to unravel and we need Jesus more than ever.
6. Isn't God already victorious over death since Jesus rose again?
He certainly is! Revelation shows us the past, present and future - showing us the problem of sin and the plan of God to save us from it, and the complete victory of Jesus over sin and death. We are still in the midst of the battle, but the war has already been won.
7. What are some practical ways to wake up and get ready for Jesus' return?
Pray - for people to come to know Jesus.
Act - be ambassadors for Jesus - in word and deed. Get ready by making each day count for the kingdom. Have you prayed? Have you worshipped him? Have you loved others?
And don't get bogged down in fear. Stay focussed on God's kingdom which gives us the sense of urgency we need to share the gospel with those around us.
8. Is the star that fell to earth in chapter 9 and who opened the abyss, Satan?
Most thinking says "Yes" to this. Satan is referred to as a morning star (Isaiah 14:12), as is Jesus! (Rev 22:16). Satan however is the fallen star. Jesus is the reigning star! However, it could be another powerful demon that it is referring to, such as Abaddon.
This is another detail which is a little obscure, and fun to think about! But also to recognise that what is not clear will be made clear by God in times to come - sometimes only when Jesus returns.
9. What is the theme conveyed consistently by the visions related to the seven seals and seven trumpets?
They give us a picture of life now - like the first 4 seals and trumpets. Then a picture of the beginning of judgment - like the 5th seal and trumpet. Then life to come, such as the 6th seal and trumpet. And then the final day - the 7th seal and trumpet. It is not as simple as this, but this is a helpful framework I think to get the big picture. All of it overlaps of course. But the vision is consistent in reminding us that things are bad, but judgement and salvation is coming. Sweet and sour. The times overlap and can be a little confusing, but they certainly progress and are heading towards one final day/moment when Jesus will return and the victory will be finally realised. Until then, we live in the "now and not yet" - we have victory now in Jesus, but it has not yet been fully realised.
Q and A is from 1:10:10