And There Followed

Daily Reading: Revelation 8-9

Scripture Focus: The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed... (Revelation 8.7)

Devotional Thought: Several months ago, I noticed a squeal coming from under my convertible hood. I knew it was the belt, but I hardened my ears to it, trying to ignore it. One morning I went to take it out with Lana, and not only was there a loud squeal, but there was a significant loss of power. I pulled it back in the garage, and finally decided it was time to listen to those foreboding sounds. A few minor adjustments by my mechanic, and the problem was taken care of. If I hadn't listened though, the troubles would have multiplied. I should have taken care of it much sooner, but I have a tendency to ignore such 'warning sounds,' hoping that they will go away.

In Revelation, there is a warning sound: the blowing of heavenly trumpets. The scripture says that after each trumpet sounded, "there followed..." The trumpets served as harbingers to what was to come. When the trumpet blew, things inevitably and predictably came to pass.

There is coming a day when the heavenly trumpet will sound once again - in the twinkling of an eye. Certain things will follow the sounding of this last trumpet: "The dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15.52). "And the dead in Christ will rise. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4.16-17).

The trumpet will sound, but we must not wait for the last trumpet. We should respond now to the call of God. "Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4.7).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the warning 'sounds' of your return. Help us to heed the trumpet call of God, and to make sure we are ready! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 107.39-43

39 When they are diminished and brought low through oppression, evil, and sorrow, 40 he pours contempt on princes and makes them wander in trackless wastes; 41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. 42 The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth.

43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.