Scripture Reading: Revelation 9:1-12
The seventh seal on the great heavenly scroll introduces the seven trumpets of judgment. The seventh trumpet introduces the seven bowls of final judgment. The first four trumpets bring calamity on earthly elements … land, sea, rivers, and light. The fifth and sixth trumpets … the first two of three ominous 'woes' … unleash demonic powers of destruction.
Reminiscent of the prophet Joel, John describes demonic activity in terms of a plague of locusts (Rev 9:1-3). The grotesque imagery points to the diabolical power and destructive intent of these evil, spirit beings (Rev 9:7-11).
In our culture there is an increasing interest in the supernatural, but it is not, for the most part, honoring to God. There is a supernatural realm, but it is cleanly divided between two domains: that kingdom which glorifies God and that kingdom which opposes Him at every turn.
Satan is a real being and demons are the powerful agents of his evil will. Demons are angels who fell, along with Satan, from their position in heaven (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). They are called 'demons' (Mt 8:28-34), 'spirits' (often evil or unclean spirits - (Lk 8:2; 10:17-20), and even 'angels' (Mt 25:41).
Let us be ever vigilant because we have an enemy who is powerful and cunningly opposes the work of Christ in the world. "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against . . . cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Eph 6:12).
