Revelation Part 35

The fourth trumpet brings judgment upon the heavens. Revelation 8:12 says, 

“And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.” 

The first three trumpets affected the land, the sea, and the fresh water. The fourth now affects the sources of light that govern the day and night. The result is a significant reduction in light reaching the earth.

This judgment connects directly with Jesus Christ's description of the end times in Matthew 24:29–31. Jesus said that after the tribulation, the sun would be darkened, the moon would not give its light, the stars would fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens would be shaken. These events are therefore part of the larger prophetic picture surrounding the Day of the Lord.

Jesus immediately connects these warnings with the responsibility to be ready. Matthew 24:32–36 emphasizes that His coming will take place when people are not expecting it. The lesson is not simply to identify prophetic events, but to make sure we are spiritually prepared before they occur. Christ repeatedly emphasizes this throughout His teaching. The servant is blessed when his Master finds him faithfully doing his work. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 emphasizes the need to be prepared rather than assuming there will always be more time. Matthew 25:14–30 teaches the importance of using the abilities and opportunities God has given us rather than burying them. Then, in Matthew 25:31–46, Christ describes the separation of the sheep and the goats according to the way they have treated and served others. Read together, these passages emphasize readiness, faithful service, spiritual preparation, and love toward others.

The trumpet judgments can be considered from both a literal and a figurative perspective. Literally, Revelation describes environmental and physical disasters on an enormous scale. The first trumpet affects the land and vegetation, the second affects the sea and marine life, the third contaminates fresh water, and the fourth darkens the heavens. These events would produce enormous environmental, economic, and human consequences.

There are also broader lessons that can be seen in the imagery. Environmental disasters would challenge the world's confidence in its ability to control and preserve the natural environment. Economic chaos would follow the destruction of transportation, ships, supply chains, food production, and other systems necessary to sustain modern commerce. Empty shelves and empty tables would become visible evidence of the breakdown. Human tragedy would be marked by bitterness, despair, suffering, hunger, and death.

The darkness associated with the fourth trumpet could also represent the collapse of civilized society and the exposure of humanity's worst behavior. As law and order break down, rioting, looting, violence, and other forms of barbaric behavior could become increasingly common. Darkness in Scripture can carry both physical and spiritual significance. The judgments described in Revelation affect the physical world, but they also reveal what happens when humanity rejects God's government.

The proper response to these prophecies is not simply fear or speculation. 2 Peter 3:9 gives a practical application. Peter reminds believers to remember the words spoken beforehand by God's prophets and apostles because some people will dismiss them or assume that God's promises are not applicable to them. But God's patience has a purpose. He wants people to come to repentance. 

"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Peter explains that the present heavens and earth will ultimately pass away and that God's judgment will bring this present order to an end. Therefore, believers should ask what kind of people they ought to be. The answer is that they should live in holy conduct and godliness, looking toward God's promises and growing in spiritual character.

The coming judgment should motivate us to build on the right foundation now and to present our lives as living sacrifices. Everything physical is temporary. The systems, possessions, accomplishments, and structures that appear permanent will ultimately pass away. What matters is the character we are developing and our relationship with God. Rather than waiting until circumstances force us to change, we should be diligent now, purify ourselves, and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.