The world screeched to a halt as people gathered around televisions and computer screens, transfixed on the images of what was left of the Twin Towers, now a smoldering heap of steel and ash blanketing lower Manhattan with billowing plumes of smoke. Life changed that day. Amateur entrepreneurs sold American flags on every street corner and churches burst at the seams. National disasters have a way of helping people search for answers to the truly important questions of life.
Unfortunately, the spiritual awakening was short-lived. Americans soon returned to their busy lives and God was once again demoted to the back seat.
In times of distress, we are forced to face the reality that God may be trying to get our attention. Will we listen?
The folks living in the Great Tribulation will have to make the same choice. Faced with the dreadful wrath of God, they will have to decide: will I repent or not?
We re-enter the tribulational fray as the fifth angel sounds his trumpet of judgment, introducing a plague of torment on the earth. On cue, a star falls from the sky, likely symbolizing some kind of angel. This “star” is given a key to the bottomless pit, which, when unlocked, spews a vast army of grotesque creatures that in John’s opinion resemble locusts. Their sting causes such torment that men unsuccessfully seek death.
Suddenly, the sixth angel sounds his trumpet and four angels are released, having been bound in the Euphrates river. Their single task is to gather an enormous army, numbering two hundred million. The result is massive devastation—a third of humanity dies.
As we read about the coming Tribulation, we find it hard to believe that God would do such a thing. What about His love and mercy? Keep in mind, though, that He has repeatedly offered mercy to His creation, only to meet continuous rejection.
However, even, here, we find glimpses of His mercy peering through the darkening clouds of wrath. The “locusts” are limited in the scope of their power. Not only are they prohibited from hurting vegetation, they are powerless to kill. Also, God is not acting upon spur-of-the-moment anger. His wrath is more like a controlled burn—He doesn’t let the four angels bound in the Euphrates River loose until the time is right. He’s patiently waiting, offering multiple opportunities of repentance to mankind.
The day will come, though, when He’s finished waiting. His judgment on sin is sure, but for now He extends His mercy. Take advantage of it while you can.
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