Read Revelation 9
Highlights:
The fifth trumpet sounds, bringing five months of torment (Rev. 9:5), like that of a stinging scorpion. Men seek death . . . and death shall flee from them (9:6). The sixth trumpet sounds, and a third of the men on the earth are killed, yet those who remained repented not (9:20). The Holy City is trampled under foot forty and two months (11:2).
Two witnesses will be led by the Lord to face the fierce opposition of those who hate God. But God says: I will give power unto My two witnesses. . . . And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them (Rev. 11:3,7). They will be invincible until they shall have finished their testimony. Then and only then will these witnesses for Christ be martyred in Jerusalem, the city where also our Lord was crucified (11:8). Only after the time appointed by God for their ministry to be completed will these prophets become martyrs. Yet the cause which they advocate will not even be weakened. After three and a half days, the martyrs heard a great voice from heaven. . . . And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud (11:12) in full view of their enemies.
The seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (11:15). Praise the Lord!
The same voice of God speaks through His Word to each one of us. He calls for a dedication and for a thankful spirit that will count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work (James 1:2-4). He calls for a sense of urgency to make us equal to the tasks He has placed before us. He looks for believers who pray from the heart: "Make me an intercessor in ardent love for Thee, who commands to pray and not to faint (give up) till faith brings victory." (M.E.H.)
Jesus said: Ye shall be witnesses unto Me (Acts 1:8). His Word must and shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matt. 24:14). We are getting ever closer to the end. Therefore, My beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
Thought for Today:
The Apostle Paul said: But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
Cross References:
For Rev. 9:2: See Joel 2:10. Rev. 9:4: See Ex. 12:23. Rev. 9:6: See Jer. 8:3. Rev. 9:7: See Joel 2:4. Rev. 9:8: See Joel 1:6. Rev 9:9: See Joel 2:5-7. Rev. 10:6: See Neh. 9:6. Rev. 11:4: See Zech. 4:2-3,11-12,14. Rev. 11:11: See Ezek. 37:5.
Word Studies:
9:11 Abaddon (Apollyon or destroyer), satanic angel and king of the abyss that is reserved for the wicked; 10:6 time no longer, no more delay.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Country: Liberia (3 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and more than 20 local languages of the Niger-Congo language group • Religious freedom • 41% ancestor worship and witchcraft; 21% Muslim; 13% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Matt. 6:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:4
