Trumpet Blasts Break the Heavenly Silence

Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek, pastor at Holy Cross and Immanuel Lutheran Churches in Lidgerwood, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Revelation 8:1-13.

The opening of the seventh seal leads to a short time of silence in heaven in anticipation of the blowing of the seven trumpets. Before the seven angels begin to blow their seven trumpets, another angel stands at the incense altar with the prayers of the saints rising before God. As this angel begins to cast fire from the altar upon the earth, the sound of thunder and rumblings bring a reminder of the presence of God at Mt. Sinai. As the first four angels blow their trumpets, destruction comes, normally afflicting a third of various things on the earth. Such destruction could be physical, or it could be representative of the destructive nature of false doctrine. After the fourth trumpet blows, an eagle makes plain that the remaining trumpet blasts will bring far worse woes. In the midst of all this, the Lord continues to hear the prayers of His saints and reign over all things for the good of His Church.

“Come Lord Jesus!” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Revelation given to St. John. Although some look at Revelation with fear, it is a book of supreme hope in our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. The book of Revelation gives a heavenly perspective on our earthly circumstances so that the Church in every generation is challenged, comforted, and assured of final victory through Jesus Christ.