Time Out!

Revelation 7: 1-3 “¹After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind could blow on the earth or sea or against any tree. ²I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to damage earth and sea, ³saying, “Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have marked the servants of our God with a seal on their foreheads” (NRSV)

It’s World Series time, how can I not have a baseball analogy?: Vin Scully is calling the action (who else is worthy to call a game like this?), “The stage is set, six of the seven seals are opened, four angels (umpires) are holding back the four winds of the earth and with the power to damage the earth, sea and trees, and they are poised and ready to proceed. The pitching coach exits the dugout and calls time out to approach the mound while the catcher jogs out to listen in. The home-plate umpire follows out and has the other three meet at the mound.” The pitching coach speaks “The bases are loaded and ready to cause havoc, the enemy has sent their steroidal power-hitter to the plate. Things are ready to break loose. The Manager has sent me out. Things are going to get hairy and you umpires need to keep things cool for a bit. We are going to make sure all the players are identified so that none are lost in the scuffle. Wait until the uniforms for each and every player is in place.”  (Rev 7: 1-8)

Vinnie sits back and scans the crowd, “This is surely the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen. People have packed the house from all around; the rich, the poor, every color, shape, and size of person is here. Not one socio-economic, ethnic, or fraternity/sorority was missing. They are standing and cheering every move and it must be wear-white day, I have to squint with the reflection of the Son off of the crowd. As the Manager comes up the dugout steps they cheer even louder and all the concessionaires joined in, just listen to them.” And Vinnie lets the microphone pick up the noise for a bit, then he continues, “The Manager looks over to the Owner’s box and takes a cue. This is no regular owner, this is the biggest peoples-Owner around and the crowd is going crazy with love for the owner as He acknowledged the Manager.” (Rev 7: 9-12)

Then the team marketing director, in the booth with Vin Scully, comments to him, “What a crowd! They came from the mean-streets, fought their way to the gates, and endured the heckling from all of the other teams to get into the park. The Owner has made some big promises to the people and all of the players; He will be in the crowd every day, the food concessions will never be closed, all manner of drink will be available, the sunshade will be in place and they will not be sunburnt, and the Manager will lead them all; fans, players, umpires, and all the helpers in the stadium.” (Rev 7: 13-17)

My take on this; what does it all mean? In a general sense Revelation Seven tells us that there is trouble in all the earth and it could, and will, get much worse. This is no surprise to anyone who sees or hears any news report. The chapter tells us that God knows His own and will put his mark on each one. Some will suffer much but all will be ushered into the throne room and be in his presence and will want for nothing any more.

Now that you’ve read this I suggest that you read the actual chapter in your Bible and make sure that you are part of the great multitude if not an actual player on the field.

In His grip, jerry