KBM Revelation Chapter 9 Part 2

Hello again and welcome to our 196th episode of Kids Bible Minute. I’m your host Landon Rowell and I’m also the local preacher for the church of Christ in Ramona, OK. I want to thank Bible Way Media, out of the Oologah cofC for giving me the opportunity to do this podcast and each of you for studying God’s Word with me. I enjoy our studies together and look forward to it each week. As always, I want to make certain you have “your” Bible with you so that when I mention a Bible verse you can read that verse for yourself and not just take my word for it. Now most of the time I will read that passage mentioned out loud so it’s best if you pause this podcast when the scripture is mentioned, turn to the verse and read it, then unpause the podcast and read along with me as I read out loud. If you are new to our study, first I want to say thank you for studying with us and secondly I want to let you know that you can reach all archived or past episodes easily at ramonacofc.com in the podcast section where there is a direct link to Kids Bible Minute past episodes. Now as you all know we have been studying through the book of Revelation and last week we examined the first twelve verses or first “woe” of trumpet five. That brings us to the sixth trumpet and second woe upon Rome. There are several things we need to consider from this chapter. First, right off the bat in verse thirteen we read of the “voice from the altar before God.” Remember this is Jesus’ revelation and thus Jesus is declaring the release of the four angels. Again this shows God is the one bringing this woe. Secondly, we see in verse fifteen that God knew exactly what He would need to do at exactly the right time. I’m reminded of the words of God in Isaiah 46:8-10.

Isaiah 46:8–10 ESV

8 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Thirdly, in verses 16-18 we see these four angels lead a great spiritual army against Rome. These horses were protected (breastplates), powerful (heads like lions), and deadly (tails like serpents). Remember they killed a “1/3rd” of mankind verse 15. It’s interesting to note the judgment being displayed by the lion heads. Notice fire, smoke, and sulfur that come out of their mouth. This symbolism is typical of God’s judgment upon mankind on this earth (Genesis 19:24; Psalm 11:6; Ezekiel 38:22). Also there is great significance of it coming out of the mouth of the lions. Remember, Rome was all about spreading, as one man put it, “evil propaganda and false doctrine” (Revelation 13:1-6). That beast is seen as having a mouth like a lion and God here is using that same symbolism to show that it is Rome’s blasphemous doctrines are in need of repentance. Unfortunately the 2/3rd’s that lived refused to repent. Let’s read the sad words of Revelation 9:20-21.

Revelation 9:20–21 ESV

20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

I would like to think Rome is unique in this refusal but the reality is most of mankind is not (Matthew 7:13-14). Let us make certain we are not the majority that reject God’s discipline but rather are the few that are trained by it (Hebrews 12:7-11).

Well, that concludes this Bible study for today. As always, I want to thank you for studying God's precious Word with me and I want to encourage you to continue to study God's Word every day. Be sure to use the wonderful material and other podcasts made available through the BWM App or website at biblewaymedia.org. I also personally have a website at gospel-preacher.com. Of course, make sure you ask your parents if it is ok by them before you download the app or go to those websites. I also encourage you to contact me personally with question about the Bible at the Ramona church of Christ email address [e-mail] or through our Facebook Page. Make sure you message the Ramona church of Christ in OK not California. Until we have an opportunity to meet again, peace be with you in Christ Jesus our Lord.