“A third of the sea”

2020 “By His Blood” Lent devotion #41

The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. A third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. (Revelation 8:9)

Here’s a shocking vision of bloody currents in the ocean from dead sea creatures and sailors. What could this be? Is this an image of war and sunken naval vessels? Or volcanic eruptions that spew molten rock into the ocean, spawning tsunamis that wipe out harbors and coastal communities? No matter what you envision, it is certainly unsettling.

It is precisely what Jesus said would happen. He spoke of wars and rumors of wars. He described earthquakes that would rock our world. As horrible as it might sound, though, it’s just business as usual. It’s not the end. Not yet, anyway.

It is however, a call for faithfulness, endurance and the continued proclamation of the gospel. That means we trust God, we remember we’re in this for the long haul, and we have a message of hope we do not want to keep to ourselves. We have the best news of all of a Savior who has overcome sin, death and the power of the devil by his suffering and death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead. Nothing in this world or from anywhere else can separate us from his love.

Crazy headlines of a world coming apart at the seams are supposed to remind you of why Jesus came. They are like big, flashing neon signs telling you to “Repent!” Turn back to God and find your hope and security and peace in him!

Lord, I’m paying attention. Thank you for coming here and being here for me. Amen.