Seven angels are given trumpets...
(Revelation 8:1-2) When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
The seven trumpet angels wait, while another angel collects the prayers of the martyred saints (who were killed during the Tribulation). These prayers - probably for justice - are answered, as the angel throws fire from the altar down to the earth which causes physical disturbances...
(Revelation 8:3-5) Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
From this we see:
- seven angels are given trumpets, which is part of the seventh seal being opened (8:2)
- another angel collects the prayers of the martyred saints (who were killed during the Tribulation). These prayers, probably for justice, are answered, as the angel throws fire from the altar down to the earth which causes physical disturbances (8:3-5)
Personal experience: how often have we prayed for justice, and for the appropriate punishment to come down on those who have done evil things? But then that particular person gets away with their crimes or offenses.
There is a reason why vigilantism is illegal. If a person sought out revenge on their own, they would be acting only on their behalf, and would be highly prejudiced. Very often we make mistakes in how we react to things, or we accuse the wrong person, because we've made assumptions, or there has been miscommunication. We need to leave law and order to the professionals who have the proper authority.
So it should make sense that God does not want us to judge others, because we cannot see into their hearts. And we do not know all things, as God does.
Today's takeaway: we should never take vengeance, and we should never judge a person's heart.
But we SHOULD pray. And even though our prayers are not answered as quickly as we'd like, from the above verses, we can see that God is storing up many of our prayers - yet to be answered.
And the all-knowing God is just and will deliver the appropriate punishments at the appropriate time on the appropriate people...
(Romans 12:9-21) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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