YOUTH STS
LESSON 982
TOPIC: DIVINE DEVASTATION OF THE UNJUST
TEXT: Revelation 8: 1- 13
Memory Verse: "And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand" (Revelation 8:4).
Prior to this period, the Lord had been revealing great and mysterious events to John. These are events that are yet to happen but are anticipated at the end of time (Revelation 4:1). Eventually, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who is worthy to open the seven seals, opened the sealed book at the right hand of Him that sat on the throne. "And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne" (Revelation 5:7). This illustrates what Jesus said: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Christian youths should know that they are able to overcome and subdue all giants and mountains that seem insurmountable in their lives, families and community by the power of Christ that works in them. "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).
The only way sinning youths can enjoy this provision of victory is through salvation from sin. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). The Lord is ready to save as many youths that will believe and accept Him into their lives. Then, the victory will be transferred from the triumphant Christ to the transformed youths.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF OPENING THE SEVENTH SEAL
Revelation 8: 1-5; 6:13; Genesis 18:20; 7:17-19
"And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets" (Revelation 8:1,2). According to our text, the seventh seal was opened and it heralded seven angels from the throne of God with seven trumpets given to them. This clearly implies God's direct involvement in the devastation and doom that is to come upon the world. God shows mercy to the broken hearted but punishes the wicked. Unfortunately, many still turn deaf ears to his calls to salvation. Therefore, the seal is meant to punish those that shun the door of God's mercy, that was opened through Jesus Christ. Today, youths should no longer ignore the gospel of salvation but repent before the impending doom comes upon them suddenly.
About six of these seals had been opened by the Lamb at this point. Each of them displayed their consequences and effects on the earth and in heaven. But the seventh seal, which is the last seal, displayed a peculiarity in its consequences. It differs from other seals, in that, it first attended to the saints' prayers before unleashing doom on the earth. Therefore, Christian youths should pray without ceasing because it is the will of God concerning His people and those prayer will be answered in due season. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20). The Lord does not forget our prayers though it may tarry, it shall come to pass.
THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF THE GREAT PLAGUES
Revelation 8: 6-11; Deuteronomy 28:13-42; Ezekiel 38:22; Exodus 10:22-23; Jeremiah 9:15; 23:15)
"The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up" (Revelation 8:7). This is the beginning of doom for those that denied and rejected the mercy that God provided for mankind at Calvary. The "green grass" signifies food supply, since all our food supply comes from plants. The burning of all green grass will usher in famine on the earth.
"And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed" (Revelation 8:9). Apart from the death of farm crops, and natural resources, other purnishments include the death of many men due to the water which was turned to wormwood. "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter" (Revelation 8:10,11). God made those natural resources to make man comfortable but man exploits it for his own selfish goals and ambitions without regard for the Creator.
THE FEARFUL PREDICTION OF SEVERE JUDGMENTS
Revelation 8:12,13; Luke 13:1-9; Mark 9:42-49; 7:21-23; 14:6; 19:12; 11:14)
"And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise. And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (Revelation 8:12,13). Notwithstanding the dooms that had been unleashed on earth, the Bible says more are yet to come. This depicts the extent of God's wrath on all unrighteousness. While the door of his mercy is still open, sinning youths should strive to enter in to avert the judgment that awaits the ungodly. "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).
For a sinning youth to escape the wrath to come, he needs genuine salvation through Jesus Christ. To experience genuine salvation, he needs to: (a) acknowledge his sins (b) believe that Christ Jesus has the power to forgive (c) confess all known sins as the spirit reveals (d) denounce all sinful practices (e) live a consistent Christian life (f) Read and meditate on the word of God with prayer. "For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10).
QUESTIONS
Question 1: How can sinning youths benefit from this provision of victory?
Question 2: What is the peculiarity of the seventh seal?
Question 3: What are the other punishments that await the wicked?
Question 4: How can a sinner escape the wrath to come?