I begin today with a sobering realization: our time is running out. After this message, only three days remain. Scripture reminds us that three days is enough time to change the world (Matt. 28:1–10). Today, we turn our attention to Revelation chapters 9 through 12, where the pace quickens and the cost of rebellion becomes clear.
A Disturbance Felt Across the World
(Revelation 9:1–12)
In the first Star Wars film, The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan senses a great disturbance in the Force—millions of voices crying out at once. (1) Although fictional, the image is like what happens when Revelation’s first woe is unleashed.
A fallen star gets the key to the Abyss, and when it opens, it releases devastation upon the earth (Rev. 9:1-2) From this abyss emerge terrifying beings, described as locusts with scorpion-like power. They may inflict pain, but they will not kill those whom God has chosen. (Rev. 9:3-6) This torment is severe but temporary, lasting only five months.
Their king is named Apollyon—“the Destroyer” (Rev. 9:11). Scripture shows that his power is restricted and only allowed for a specific time, not that he is an equal rival to God. This marks the first of three woes (Rev. 9:12). (2)
The Second Woe and Unprecedented Loss
(Revelation 9:13–21)
The second woe follows. Four angels are released, and through fire, smoke, and sulfur, one third of humanity is killed (Rev. 9:15–18).
To grasp the magnitude of this judgment, consider our current world population of eight billion. A quarter had already perished earlier in Revelation. That would leave six billion. One third of that number—another two billion—now falls. Half of the world’s population is gone.
There has been nothing like this in human history. Even the Black Death of the fourteenth century, which killed a quarter of Europe’s population, did not approach this level of global devastation.
Yet what is most chilling is not the loss itself, but the response:
“The rest of mankind… did not repent” (Rev. 9:20–21).
John reminds us that catastrophic judgment alone has never produced lasting repentance. Pharaoh hardened his heart despite the plagues (Exod. 7–11). Israel returned to sin despite wars and exile. Even now, hearts remain unmoved.
The Sweet Scroll and the Cost of Truth
(Revelation 10:8–11)
Then, John was commanded to take the scroll and eat it. It tastes sweet in his mouth, but turns bitter in his stomach (Rev. 10:9–10). This echoes the experience of Ezekiel (Ezek. 2:8–3:3).
Accepting the word of God is a delight, but it’s difficult to live and share. What delights the soul can still weigh on the heart. The cost did not prevent John from speaking again.
The Kingdom Proclaimed as Woe
(Revelation 11:14–15)
When the seventh trumpet sounds, heaven declares:
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.”
We often read this as triumph—and it is. But Revelation calls it the second woe. For those who refuse repentance, the reign of Christ is not comfort; it is judgment. The removal of human autonomy is terrifying to those who love the world more than God.
War in Heaven and the Fall of the Dragon
(Revelation 12:3–9)
Then, John sees the deeper reality behind these events. A great dragon appears—identified as Satan (Rev. 12:9). War breaks out in heaven. Michael and his angels win, and they cast the dragon down to the earth. (2)
Satan appears fierce and terrifying, but he is not sovereign. His power lies in accusation and sin. He is no match for God’s purposes, nor for the angelic host sent against him. (3)
Victory Through the Blood of the Lamb
(Revelation 12:10–11)
The decisive victory does not come through force, but through sacrifice.
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
Satan feeds on guilt and accusation. The cross strips him of both. Those who love God more than the world are marked—not by strength, but by faithfulness. (4)(5)
The Dragon’s Fury Turned Toward the Faithful
(Revelation 12:15–17)
Enraged by his defeat, Satan turns his fury toward the people of God. He seeks to sweep them away, but the earth itself intervenes, restraining his destruction. Failing to destroy the whole, he goes after individuals—those who keep God’s commands and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
A Breathless Conclusion
We like to believe we have plenty of time. We resist urgency. When pressured, we push back. Yet as I read these chapters, I am struck by how quickly everything unfolds.
Every generation that endured plagues, wars, and calamities believed they might witness the end. On a global scale, they were wrong. Personally, they are not—because none of them remains.
Whether we face scorpion-like torment, apocalyptic horsemen, or the quiet closing of our own days, it will happen faster than we expect. When it happens, people will belong to one of two groups: those who perish clinging to the world, or those whom the Lord marks because they love Him.
Now is the time to decide which group will count you among its members.
Tomorrow, we will read Revelation 13-16.
Footnotes (Chicago Style)
- George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope, directed by George Lucas (Los Angeles: Lucasfilm Ltd., 1977), motion picture.
- David Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Revelation 9, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-9/
- BibleProject, Revelation 1–11, https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/revelation-1-11/.
- Got Questions Ministries, “Who is Apollyon / Abaddon?” https://www.gotquestions.org/Apollyon-Abaddon.html.
- David Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Revelation 12, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-12/.