Part 8 of 12 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation ' by Gijs van den Brink
Revelation chapter 8 talks about damage being done to trees, grass, sea, rivers, springs, sun, moon and stars: All environmental disasters. As a result, people and animals die.
They are described as a judgment from God.
There is an environmental crisis caused by Western science and technology. This may lead to a destruction of the world. The book of Revelation can open our eyes to what is going on in our world.
At the blowing of the first trumpet, hail and fire rains down from heaven (Rev. 8:7). And a third of all vegetation on earth burns, an environmental disaster of enormous proportions. How will this happen? John says he sees a rain of hail and fire. What did John see? Some think of nuclear phenomena. But it could also be some form of acid rain. A rain of something that looks like a mixture of fire, hail and blood.
At the second trumpet a third of the sea creatures perish and a third of the ships perish (Rev. 8:8-9). John sees that a burning object the size of a tall mountain falls into the sea. We can think of a meteor or comet. Or extraordinarily strong volcanic eruptions.
It strikes me that the beginning of the end times according to the book of Revelation is marked by environmental disasters. If anything the second half of the 20e century and the beginning of the 21e century stands out, it is through environmental disasters.
German theologian Moltmann speaks of an environmental disaster suicide of humanity.
The judgments of God are not unworldly events. Judgments of God have to do with the consequences of people's sin. In environmental disasters, this relationship is also evident.
Also see: Part 7 of 12 of the theme 'Lessons from Revelation ':Vision of society and culture
Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine
This is part 8 of 12 concise blog on the topic of "Lessons from Revelation" from Study Bible Magazine, Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!
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