December 10-12, 2010
Revelation 8
Pastor Paul Turbedsky
The book of Revelation is believed to have been written by John some 60 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The writings are a compilation of John’s visions while banished to live on the imprisoned rocky island of Patmos under Roman rule. In these visions, there are a series of judgments – seals, trumpets, and bowls – each set of judgments increasing in intensity.
In Revelation 8, we read about the last or seventh seal being opened, which initiates the seven trumpets of judgment. When that seal was opened, John wrote, “… there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”
I find this most puzzling. I have always imagined heaven to be a place of 24/7 worship of prayer and song. To read that there is a half-hour of silence takes my breath away – I’m speechless, I’m silenced. Why is this so? As I studied John’s writings further, the reason for the silence is uncertain - only to say that it may be due to the heavenly hosts catching a glimpse of what was written on the scroll and realizing the horror of the coming judgments.
Perhaps you have experienced a time or witnessed a happening when you were simply silenced – when one bad thing happened after another and things only seemed to get worse. For example, there is one event that most of us have in common - the tragic events of 9-11, witnessed on televisions by millions across the world. When the first plane struck, it got the attention of many people. Then the second plane struck, and everyone’s attention was captured. I remember where I was, and that there was silence in the room as we watched the continued attack of a plane crashing into the Pentagon and then another plane crashing into a Pennsylvania field. The events were replayed over and over again. Could it get worse? What more is to come? Is there any hope for us?
There is hope, as recorded in Revelation 8:3-4. John wrote about another angel being “given incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints” and the “smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” Our prayers avail much, intercession does count and prayers are keys in defeating the enemy and establishing righteousness on earth…no matter how bad it gets. As John wrote about the” prayers of all the saints,” he included those on earth and those already in heaven. The words of the Lord’s Prayer are so meaningful when put into perspective with end times – “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10).
When you experience a storm in your life and just can’t seem to get out from under it, learn to dance in the rain. In other words, turn your attention to the Lord, pray for His will to be done on earth (not what you want) just as it is in heaven. He knows your needs, desires, and wants.
Life with Christ in a storm is far better than being in a storm without Him. Have faith in the One you call Savior. Talk to Him (daily), let him know what you’re up to, what you’d like to see happen, share with him your feelings – the good and the troubling. Tell Him how great He is.
One last thing – He has a birthday coming up. Celebrate the cradle as it paved the way to the cross so that we would have eternal life with Him.
When asked to describe his favorite meal, Pastor Paul identified “an opening appetizer dish of hot seasoned tortilla chips served with a tomatillo based guacamole dip partnered with grilled shrimp, dipped in a lemon garlic butter sauce with a hint of cumin and chili powder. The next course would be a freshly tossed dark green garden salad with grape tomatoes, thinly sliced pimento pepper rings, white cucumbers, fresh mango, and a tequila lime dressing. The entrée would be grilled salmon brushed with some evo and seasoned with cracked black pepper, garlic, a touch of sea salt and thinly sliced circles of limes. With this, there would be a serving of iron skillet prepared veggies – red potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and sweet Vidalia onions garnished with freshly picked cilantro.”
