Series: The Radical Call of Jesus
Message: Radical Warning
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Daily Walk: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 103:19–22​.

Read: Revelation 8:2-11:18 (ESV). Re-read in the English Standard Version for new insights or questions. 

Reflect: The sanctuary is not a light motif through these chapters. In fact, I would suggest, as most commentators have also concluded, that the sanctuary is overwhelmingly present throughout the whole book of Revelation and this is because of the role Jesus has within the sanctuary and because the glory of God is seen as centered in the sanctuary. 
Many have demonstrated how even the garden of Eden was considered a sanctuary. Sanctuary is a rich word that even now, despite the horrific acts done in the name of "the church,” gives most people hope. I find comfort in that.

As I shared earlier, chapter 8 draws our minds directly to the altar with the golden censer, filled with prayers, connecting our minds to the seal from Revelation 6:9–11, with saints begging God, and asking Him how long this must continue. When the angel casts it down, it is supposed to trigger a memory of Luke 12:49 and Ezekiel 10:1–2—that they have been heard and action is being taken. The trumpets are are direct warning against those who persecuted the followers of Jesus. They have two goals. First, is to humble those who have caused horrible pain to others. Second, is to create space for them to repent and come back home. 
Ranko Stefanovic summarizes very succinctly the first six trumpets in Plain Revelation.

The seven trumpets describe a series of God’s interventions in history on behalf of His people. The first two trumpets herald judgment upon those who crucified Christ and persecuted the early church; the third and fourth trumpets call forth judgment upon the apostasy of the medieval and post-Reformation eras; and the fifth and sixth trumpets describe the condition of the secular world in the aftermath of the Age of Enlightenment, which is characterized by extensive demonic activity leading into the battle of Armageddon (p.118).

What takes place next, in chapters 10 and 11, only emphasizes more the role of Jesus in the Sanctuary and prepares us for the central message of Revelation, yet to be discovered. Are we radical disciples of Jesus? Will we will follow the Lamb wherever He goes?

Recalibrate: ​​​What does the sanctuary mean to you today? What does God dwelling among you mean today?

Respond: Pray for Jesus to be with you in a tangible way today. 

Research: What does the valley of Armageddon look like today? How was it used in war?