Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Warning
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 103:6–12.

Read: Revelation 8:2-11:18 (NLT). As you read the New Living Translation, note 1–3 insights.

Reflect: The trumpet! We can’t really understand this section unless we grasp what the imagery meant. It would not have been a shock to people in John’s day. In fact, I believe that this, along with all the other imagery used would only have helped bring home the central message that the sanctuary still has a role to play. It is one of several reasons I believe Adventism’s unique approach in embracing the whole Bible brings such beauty to our lives today. Ever wondered what Jesus has been doing since the cross? Well, have a peek into HIs activities in the Bible. It is rich with insights and hope. 

Back to the trumpet. Ranko Stefanovic in his commentary Revelation of Jesus Christ, explains that:

. . . trumpets were sacred instruments and were, as a rule, blown by priests to call on God to remember his people. Or, it is better to say that they provided Israel with the assurance that God remembered them when their adversaries attacked them and that he would protect and deliver them. “You shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the Lord your God, and be saved from your enemies” (cf. 2 Chron. 13:14–15). . . . This concept of “remembering” before God is crucial for an understanding of the theological meaning of the seven trumpets in Revelation 8–9 (p. 282).

Ranko reminds us further that at Sinai, at Jericho, and in Jerusalem, trumpets were used. 

In his sermon on the Mount of Olives, Jesus spoke of the great trumpet sound when God’s elect are gathered together (Matt. 24:31). Paul spoke of the day when at the last trumpet sound the corruptible will put on incorruption (1 Cor. 15:51–53). A very loud trumpet blast will accompany the second coming of Jesus (1 Thess. 4:16–17). In the book of Revelation, the trumpet sound is a signal of the appearance of God in the person of Christ (1:10; 4:1) (p. 282).

The sound of the trumpet is deeply personal. The fact that trumpets are connected with a warning to those who reject the Gospel only goes to serve as an indicator of the passion of Jesus for us to consider coming home. 

Recalibrate: ​​​What warning do you need Jesus to give you or a loved one in your life?

Respond: Pray for insight.

Research: What other texts does Paul mention the trumpet in?