In 1922, Benito Mussolini seized power in Italy, then created his dictatorship by destroying all political opposition through his secret police. What followed was a total lack of freedom, atrocities, and arrogant military decisions. After 21 years he was finally overthrown. When Mussolini tried to escape to the north, Italian Communists captured and executed him. His body was hung upside down, on public display, to confirm his demise. Mussolini learned there are severe and bitter consequences to stubborn arrogance.

Just prior to the second half of the Tribulation, the seventh seal is opened in the book by the throne of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Thirty minutes of solemn silence in heaven follows. It is as if God’s judgment that is about to fall takes the breath away from angels and martyred saints. In Scripture, trumpets were often used by God to announce significant events, such as the giving of the Law (Exodus 19:16-19), or the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6:13-16). When the events described in Revelation begin four trumpets will blow in heaven, each announcing a new divine judgment. With the first trumpet, hail and fire mixed with blood will be cast to the earth (Revelation 8:7). Softball size hail can go through roofs, level crops, and kill people. It will be devastating. Billowing fire will also burn up one-third part of all vegetation. When the second trumpet sounds, a meteor, “burning with fire” is cast into the sea causing one-third of the sea to become blood. It kills the sea-life therein, destroying one-third of worldwide ships (vvs. 8-9). The stench and economic impact from lost ships will be catastrophic. The third trumpet will sound with “a great star,” or angel, “called Wormwood” (vs. 10), falling from heaven. This will cause one-third of rivers and fresh water to become very bitter to the taste. With usable water scarce, many will drink from these waters, but any who do will die. When the fourth trumpet is sounded, one-third of the sun, moon, and stars, are “darkened” (vs. 12). This will create fear while impacting growing seasons and causing unsustainable demands for electricity.

These four trumpet judgments will fall because of man’s stubborn arrogance in rejecting Christ as their Savior and to avenge God’s Tribulation martyrs. You can help others avoid this bitter end by talking about these events and sharing the gospel with a lost soul today. You can start with, “Have you ever heard of the Tribulation? These are some of things that will happen.…”