A Revelation Invitation

Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” (Revelation 8:13 ESV)

In the nineteenth century the United State sent its young men off to war not to expand its empire but to root out the evil of slavery, a righteous cause. In the mid-twentieth century it once again mustered its forces for war against a murderous, expansionistic, militaristic Japan while simultaneously taking up arms against a genocidal, fascist regime in Germany. Only the United States had the resources and determination, not to expand its empire, but to vanquish these evil, exploitative powers. One could argue that in the course of its history the United States has been an instrument of God in service to righteous causes.¹ However, in recent years the United States has imposed its will over other nations culturally, economically and militarily to expand its empire pursuing power and prosperity for itself. Its people act as if they are entitled to the affluence they’re accustomed to. They view as deserved the privilege of their fortuitous births as Americans. But they are in denial of the fragility of their advantageous circumstances.

Not unexpectedly American exceptionalism has morphed into the pursuit of self-serving power and greedy acquisition. This is the path of empires throughout history. It was true of Babylon as scrutinized by the Old Testament prophets. It was true of Rome who is being weighed in the balance in Revelation. Most Americans have benefited materially from American hegemony. So have many other nations of the world. They rather like the peace and prosperity that America has maintained in recent decades. They tolerate the exploitation of slave labor in China to produce the goods they enjoy. They pay off corrupt dictators in the Middle East and elsewhere in exchange for cheap energy to fuel their excesses. Americans will need forceful confrontation and disciplinary suffering to wake up to their profligacy if they are willing to recognize it at all. While the United States behaves as if it is invincible, dire warnings like we’ve read in Revelation will result in much heartache and loss. The fall of corrupt nations is not worth crying over especially ones who oppress God’s people. But the people who dwell on the earth, who live in these nations, will endure great tribulation as chaos reigns. As we witness these celestial woes, heaven will lament the coming calamities as should Christians. This end was so avoidable.

How appropriate that an eagle, this heavenly messenger, after surveying the earth, saw foreboding troubles on the horizon. Eagles are swift and violent as can be God’s judgment. This eagle peered into the future and saw the lifeless, decaying carcass of Roman society. Shouting out three woes, it ominously proclaimed that the three trumpets yet to sound would result in worse sufferings than the first four trumpets. Woes are expressions of grief. Because this is not the outcome that God desired for Rome or its people, he laments what he must do. The people refuse to worship him and give him thanks. Because their sin continues, he must condemn the nation. But the tribulations and destruction are not what God wants for his creation. He would prefer to bring healing, but the people refuse to come to him for that blessing.

My God, you foretell of a swift and disastrous end. Many will suffer. Many must suffer in order to see the foolishness of their ways. Why must people resist you? Why must they be so arrogant and self-satisfied? I know you would not take this course of action were there any other way. I mourn the losses that will multiply both nationally and individually. I pray that many will see your hand in this, take to heart their spiritual poverty and repent. You are a merciful God. Amen.

1 Some will discount this claim for good by pointing out the history of racism and slavery in America as well as atrocities committed against Native Americans. But are the two claims mutually exclusive? Can’t the United States be both a deeply flawed institution and an instrument through which God accomplishes his good purposes? The Old Testament prophets viewed the Babylonian Empire in this way.