Rev 11:15-19 Bbbbrrrrrrrr

I guess bbbbrrrrr is what a trumpet sounds like to me?

This was a short passage with few notes. You know how there's those ummm subchapters in most bibles, they usually cover one event, sermon, or idea. Ya, so i usually study one of these, thats why today is only 5 verses. Yes so straight to it.

Rev 11:15-19 The Seventh Trumpet

When the seventh angel blows its trumpet God's kingdom will reign over everyone.

Side Note:

To be honest, with respect to pre-mil/a-mil/post-mil and pre-trib/post-trib, I haven't studied enough to believe one way or another. I know the pastors at Berean say its important to take a stance one way or another, probably so that we can be ready to defend and share the truth the Spirit has led us to. Granted, with study I will probably be convicted one way or another but as of now I don't know what will happen but I can trust that it will be good.

Back to the passage, depending on your view of escatology, God's kingdom may be brought to earth at this point and the millenium may begin. Or perhaps we will leave this earth to enter a new Jerusalem or new earth or heaven to be in God's presence. However it specifically works out, it is what we've been waiting for! "Your kingdom come, Your will be done." Here it is! Not long before this the saints were crying out in ch 6:10, "They cried out with a loud voice, 'O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?'"

The 24 elders will then fall on their faces and worship God. They thank God for who He is and was, that he now reigns, that His wrath has come on the nations, the dead will be judged, the servants, prophets, and saints are rewarded, and the destroyers of the earth destroyed. Thats a lot to be thankful for. Not to get political but people put so much hope in people like president Obama to "fix" the nation. How silly. God is going to take EVERYTHING, from the most wretched nation to the dead grass and make His kingdom glorious in these final days.

The last verse talks about God's throne opening up and the ark of His covenant is seen in His temple. I think this is really important to the nature of heaven. Only the high priest was able to enter the holy of holies, where the ark of the covenant was. But here, the temple is opened up and the ark is visible. That means those in heaven are in the holy of holies, the actual presence of God. Then the chapter ends with the presence of lighting, rumbling, thunder, earthquake, and heavy hail. I think this may be the third woe associated with the last trumpet as this could surely destroy all rebellion against God. I'll be more sure tomorrow.

Things I realize: Studying Revelation grows my excitement for God's coming kingdom. This passage reminded me of that ch6:10 verse about the saints crying out. If I'm honest sometimes I don't know how God answers prayers and I usually dismiss it with a lack of understanding or wisdom on my part. But His answer is so apparent and powerful when His final judgement comes. They were crying for God to reign and like no other thing ever it just happens. Theres no town hall meeting, congress, house, vote, higher taxes, no requirements to fill other than God's will. Another thing that I'm reminded of is, James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." There's mention of the elders and how they bow down to God. In ch4:10 the elders cast their crowns. With application to where I'm at today, I will work hard to attain that crown of life and those heavenly treasures promised. But I realize that even in heaven, I'm not building them up for myself, my crown and treasures (if any) will be cast to God. And I'm glad for it! The more I have to bring Him, the better.

Tomorrow Rev 12:1-6 The Woman and the Dragon