The God of justice and Mercy

Read Revelation 8.

These middle chapters describe the long prophesied Great Tribulation.  Not since the worldwide flood in Noah's day has God administered such judgment upon the earth.  This time it will be by fire (2 Peter 3:7).  Jesus will take the seven-part document and unseal its judgments one by one.  Chapter 7 provides a parenthesis in the narrative with a glimpse of other things God will be doing at the same time.  Here in chapter 8, the last of the seven seals is opened.

First, there is dead silence.  The myriad of people in heaven who have been praising God will stop.  It is the lull before the storm.  Then, we are told that "the prayers of all the saints" will be offered before the throne of God.  These prayers calling for justice are made hot with fire from the altar before being inflicted upon the earth.

The last seal also has seven parts, each with its own blast of declaration, called "trumpets".  In John's day when a trumpet blew it was an announcement (fanfare) or a signal (military charge or alarm).  When this seventh seal is opened, seven alarms will be going off, one by one.  The devastation presented here is unimaginable.

Trumpet #1 (v.7)
Hail, fire, and blood will be thrown on the earth.  The result: 1/3 of the earth, 1/3 of the trees, and 1/3 of the grass (vegetation) will be burned up.  God has done such things before.  He rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah.  This is reminiscent somewhat of Egypt's experience in the book of Exodus.  The difference here is that it will be worldwide.

Trumpet #2 (vv.8-9)
Could this be a meteorite or asteroid?  The result: 1/3 of the sea creatures will die and 1/3 of the ships destroyed.

Trumpet #3 (vv.10-11)
A great star will fall and hit the earth.  The result: 1/3 of the fresh water will be turned bitter causing death.

Trumpet #4 (v.12)
The sun will lose 1/3 of its illumination.  The moon and stars merely reflect the sun's light.  The result: The earth will experience cold and darkness.

But there are three more trumpet alarms to sound.  Why will God stall in order to send this messenger to announce more judgment is coming?  He is a merciful God.  These disasters upon humans are designed to give every opportunity for people to acknowledge His power and repent of their sin.  If they do not, they will be without excuse.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)