“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” – Revelation 8:1 

Scripture reading: Revelation 8

We are filled with anticipation as the seventh seal is opened, for we long to see what the end of all things will be like. Yet, we read that there is nothing but silence for about one-half hour. Nothing, no singing by anyone! One-half hour is a long time of silence! Why the silence?

In the Old Testament, when the Lord is going to act in judgment, it is often introduced by silence. For example, Zechariah 2:13 says, “be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” See also Habakkuk 2:20. These are calls to submit to God as He advances His kingdom by bringing judgment that calls men to repentance. So this silence tells us that God is going to act, and it portrays the submission and awe of heaven before God and His judgments. So terrible and fearful is this judgment, those in heaven are spellbound before the Lord. His coming should leave us in humble, reverent silence before the Lord.

Then, we see seven angels holding trumpets. Trumpets herald the coming of a king, or sound a warning cry, or call to action. Here they will do all three in preparation of Jesus’ return. But these angels do not act until another angel presents the prayers of believers with incense so that the imperfect prayers would be pleasing in God’s sight. Believers pray as Jesus taught them, “Thy Kingdom Come.” Be ready, for He is coming! All creation shakes in anticipation.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray for the Heavenly Father’s Kingdom to come! Ask Him to hurry the day when sin shall be no more and Christ will return to make all things new, ushering in the new heavens and earth.

Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.