September 25 Woe or Blessing?

Revelation 8:13 As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair call out in a loud voice: “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the other three angels!”
 
THIS verse is a brief break, a transition between the first four trumpets and the last three. God again reveals sin’s great harm to humanity.
    In the United States, the eagle is a symbol of strength and leadership. We as Christians also find comfort in Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Rejoice in God’s comfort for you. Be assured, you can pray and receive strength, rest and peace for your soul.
    But the eagle’s strength becomes a devouring image for unbelievers. Through Habakkuk, the Lord described Babylon as a devouring eagle. Habakkuk 1:8c Like eagles they swoop down to devour. This was God’s judgment against the unrepentant Israel to send them into exile. God’s people experienced great woe because they rejected him.
    Here again, the Lord God gives to John the same judgment message to the unrepentant world. The three “woe’s” reflects the three-part repetition of completion in the Hebrew language. As “holy, holy, holy” (Rev 4:8) affirms God’s complete holiness, the three woe’s confirm the sinners’ suffering will be complete. This is God’s revelation to unbelievers. Sin brings great suffering and death. As Israel did not repent to east God’s judgment, much of the world will reject repentance. Our Lord, then, will also judge those inhabitants of the earth who continue to deny Jesus.
    The first four trumpets brought horrible physical suffering on the earth. The next three will bring spiritual suffering to the unbelievers. History has proven these words are true. The future will continue to prove God’s Word. Be sure that as you are in Jesus, you are sealed from such suffering.
 
Prayer: Lord God, turn hearts to faith. Teach the world of your powerful blessing to keep your church safe from judgment. In Jesus’ name, amen.