We have reached the end of Revelation 8. We hear how God’s judgments cause a third of creation to be destroyed. Last week we listened already to verse 13, but let’s read it again, “And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” This verse temporarily pauses the sounding of the trumpets. An angel is introduced, flying high above the earth. It says, “through the midst of heaven,” meaning at the highest point in heaven. From this vantage point, the angel can see everything on earth. The angel’s cry is a warning, summarizing that things will get worse. God’s judgments, which have caused so much destruction, are not over yet. Even more severe plagues are coming. This message is directed to “the inhabitants of the earth.” With this phrase, we are reminded of the cry of the souls under the altar, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:10) They were not seeking revenge themselves, but asked God for justice. What happens in the following chapters is an answer to that cry. The angel’s call from the highest point makes clear that God will judge according to our deeds, and these judgments will be very severe. Let us remember that God is righteous and holy! We do not sin lightly! But God continually warns everyone who is not in Christ and lives on their own. This warning is paired with the preaching of the gospel. As long as we live, there is still time to repent and turn to God. This angelic announcement makes the call for believers to be Christ’s witnesses and to proclaim the gospel even more urgently. There is still time before God’s final judgments at the Day of Christ’s second coming. A time to repent and believe in Christ. A time to be witnesses for Christ in word and deed. A time to pray. Let us use that time wisely.