“Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night. And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!'” (Revelation 8:12-13).
In addition to the losses described in the previous verses of Revelation chapter eight, this passage tells us that there will be a thirty-three percent reduction in natural light. Whatever the cause, this will undoubtedly lead to negative changes in the areas of global meteorology, temperature, and agriculture, among others.
So now that we have reached the final verse of Revelation chapter eight, it may be helpful to perform a brief assessment. First, let’s consider the impact of these judgments upon humanity. Thus far, we have witnessed the loss of the earth’s grass surfaces, as well as a thirty-three percent reduction in the planet’s tree cover, marine life, seafaring vessels, freshwater supply, and natural light. It’s hard to imagine anything that could be worse than that.
Yet, the final verse of this chapter closes with an ominous statement: “…’Woe! Woe! Woe to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that the three angels are about to sound!’” (HCSB). While the judgments of Revelation chapter eight have been restricted to the natural realm, that will change as we enter Revelation chapter nine.
In the following chapter, we will encounter destructive spiritual forces that are far worse than anything we’ve seen to this point. In contrast to a video game or horror movie where gamers and viewers can easily leave the terrors of a virtual world, those who are alive during this period will face a succession of menacing, real-life, living nightmares.
But for now, Revelation chapter eight reminds us that God has blessed us with a variety of gifts that we may sometimes take for granted. For instance, what if our water was too polluted to drink? What if each day brought thirty-three percent less sunlight? What if a large percentage of the grass and trees in our neighborhoods were suddenly incinerated? What if farmers and ranchers produced one-third less food?
These essential elements of life, such as fresh air, sunshine, food to eat, and clean water, are blessings we shouldn’t take for granted. As we reflect upon these things and the ease with which they might vanish, we should grow in our sense of gratitude for the God who graciously blesses us.
Image Attribution :Smoke-darkened Sun, CC BY-NC 2.0, Linda in Fortuna, via flickr.com, disclaimer notice