He Reigns
Bible reading
And there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
– Revelation 8:5b (NIVUK)
Devotional
I was riding my bike down a quiet country road on a beautiful day with lots of sunshine, no wind and not even a cloud in the sky, at least not when I started! As I looked towards the horizon, I saw dark clouds building but they seemed very far away, so I ignored them. Fifteen minutes later the clouds were thicker and closer, and the wind had picked up. Still, where I was, it was still sunny and calm. So, I kept going. At the farthest point from home there was a sudden burst of lightning and then a crack of thunder. I stopped, turned my bike around and headed for home as fast as I could, wishing all the time that I had paid more attention to the clouds and not just stopped when the thunder and lightning began.
The seven seals have been opened and John is now about to hear the seven trumpets. In other words, the clouds have come, and the warning signs should have been noted, but very few have paid attention. And so now, just before the first trumpet sounds, there comes peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake! No more warnings, the storm is upon them.
God is often seen, throughout the Bible, through the symbols of lightning, fire, thunder and earthquakes. While He prefers to show himself to those He loves in whispers and soft breezes, He’s also not opposed to showing His strength to the world through displays of great power. It is a way to get our attention and to remind us that He is holy, He is present, He is not far away, and He will not let injustice pass.
So today, before the storm comes, before the thunder and lightning strike, look to the clouds and watch for the warning signs. Listen for God in a soft breeze and with a whisper. Do not wait for Him to appear in all of His power and holiness before you pay attention. Follow the Lamb, and no storm will ever hurt You or even frighten you.
– Connie Main Duarte
This devotional is part of a series that helps us navigate the texts of the book of Revelation with fresh eyes. A new devotional every Saturday.
These devotionals are available in Portuguese and in English.