These verses are in the time of the Great Tribulation when Satan’s “superman” – the Antichrist – will rule the world. He will control this world economically, politically and religiously. These will be brought together into a one-world system by the Antichrist. The Antichrist will be energised by the Devil and cause the death of millions. The Bible is the true indicator of what is going to happen to this world in the future. We know the end of the story before it is played out. We need to keep our eyes on the nation of Israel. It is not possible to destroy the Jewish nation. See Jeremiah 31:33-35. You must first destroy the Sun, Moon and Stars! The Israelites are here today. The Hittites, Moabites, Canaanites, etc, don’t exist anymore.

1 – Martyrs in peace (vs. 9-11)

They gave their lives for the Lord and now they are at peace. These are the Tribulation saints who have been martyred. There will be a great evangelistic campaign during the Tribulation as 144,000 Jewish witnesses preach God’s Word. Millions will be saved during this revival and give their lives to the glory of God. There is no “soul sleep” or “purgatory” here. There are only two destinations – heaven and hell.

• Why they died? – They were killed for their love for the Word of God and their testimony. The Bible is under attack. The Bible judges us and so it is hated. The Bible needs to be preached to have an impact. If you going to a church that doesn’t preach God’s Word then go somewhere else. They stood up for the name of Jesus Christ. They were prepared to go public about their faith. You cannot be neutral about Jesus Christ. If you stand for the name of Jesus then you will have enemies. See John 15:18.
• What they cried? – They are praying for divine justice upon the earth. They are to hold on because justice is coming in God’s time. God will set things right.

2 – Men in panic (vs. 12-17)

There are four things to note in this real scene:-

• A fallen world (vs. 12-14). God pulled the shade over the sun and the rug from under the stars. The earth is covered in darkness. There is an earthquake to beat all other earthquakes. The earth is being shaken unlike any other time in history. This will make all the natural disaster films look like nothing. God is shaking the universe! There is a meteor shower from heaven. The alarm is today. Are you listening?
• A fleeing world (vs. 15). Even the greatest of leaders will seek to hide from this wrath. They don’t go to the “Rock of ages” but rather to the rocks of the earth. You can run but you can’t hide.
• A foolish world (vs. 16). They are praying to the rocks rather that the “Rock of ages”! It is the world’s largest prayer meeting but they are not praying to God. Why will they not repent? What will it take for you to repent?
• A fearful world (vs. 17). The wrath has come and it has been unleashed with full force. God’s time clock is ticking towards judgment. The world will be in fear when they could have faith.

Categories: Revelation