December 18, 2025 - Revelation 8-10

Lots of woes and troubles here.  And lots of sevens: 7 seals.  7 angels.  7 thunders.  Just some quick thoughts.  There is lots of detail here, apocalyptic detail.  This sort of stuff can be difficult to interpret, and indeed, many good Bible scholars do disagree on these matters.  But one thing certainly stands out, and that is that God has a carefully laid out scheme of what he will do, and he brings it to pass.  I am reminded of Paul’s conviction shared with the Ephesian church.  Writing about all we have in Christ, Paul declared, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).  That is, not some, not even most, but God works ALL things according to his will.  And, of course, there is Romans 8:28:  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  Even in the midst of the interpretation difficulties and in with so many troubles announced, there is great comfort in knowing that our God is accomplishing his good and perfect will.  In the words of the old hymn, God will indeed accomplish his will, and his people, having come through many trials and tribulations, will be found “Purified, made white, and tried.”

Time moves on with solemn footsteps

As it nears the final shore;

Fast the sun of earth is sinking,

Soon our world shall be no more.

The sixth trumpet now is sounding

To prepare the holy bride—

Many on the golden altar,

Purified, made white, and tried.   -- Wm. G. Schell (1897)