Can I Have Your Attention Please? - Prophetic Gallery SeriesSample

Witness #2 - the seven thunders  

Thoughts on the Passage

A couple of thoughts about this second witness – the seven thunders.

First, the number is seven again. The number of completion. The declarations provide a complete and adequate warning for mankind. The message given is complete. No one has an excuse that they did not here or did not understand.

Second, the thunders come from heaven and people on the earth receive them. In order words, God speaks into the lives and hearts of the people. God speaks in many ways. He speaks clearly through this world – its beauty, its complexity, its intricacy, and how impossible it was to create – without a Creator. He speaks through conscience – where we know things are wrong. He speaks through our innate sense of justice (where we want justice to be served). He speaks through the changed lives of God’s people; where people see God heals broken people, sets people free from bondages, and cleanses lives. He speaks through His Word. He speaks through all of these and then gives people the additional declaration – the Good News, the gospel message.

Third, the words of the thunders are hidden. I do not know why. I suspect that John understood what the thunders said, because he was prepared to write them down. That tells me that they are likely somewhat obvious. Not knowing what they said probably does prevent us from being lazy about doing our part – expecting God to do everything.

Prayer

Father, You are doing everything possible to get mankind’s attention. Why are we so dull of hearing? We truly need healing of our deafness. It is not just this world, it is we Your children as well. We look at nature and we quickly forget to thank the Creator. We think situations happen in our lives – and we think it was our doing and our hard work that got us there. We give up on justice. We ignore Your still small voice. Father, give us a shake today. Give us a moment to thank You for life, for our forgiveness, for our peace and joy, for our heavenly heritage and for our earthly blessings. Just keep speaking. And use us to help our world hear it as well. In Jesus Name, Amen.