1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back its four winds so that no wind would blow on land or sea or on any tree.

2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, …

3 “Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have placed a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

— Revelation 7:1-3

And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

— Matthew 24:31

They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

— Revelation 9:4

Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.

— Revelation 14:1

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and peace from the Lord Savior to you.

After the frightening judgments released with first sixth seals, John saw four angels at the four corners of the earth. These powerful angels were holding back the winds of judgment from blowing destruction from every direction. Nothing in nature exists outside of God’s control. All heavenly and earthly forces are at God’s disposal to execute His purposes, including His judgment. God releases His judgment according to His precise timetable. God will accomplish His will in every part of the world as the winds go out in four directions. God will judge all who refuse to repent, to turn and believe His redemption work and Him.

The seemingly relentless punishment of the wicked described in Revelation 6 appears frozen in time as the focus shifts to the security God promises His faithful ones. Before judgment of the seventh seal falls, God delays the devastation and ensures the safety of His people. God sent the angel from the east brings the seal of the living God to seal on His servants’ foreheads to secure them with God’s authority, ownership and unchangeable purposes. Even in wrath, God demonstrates His great grace and mercy for all who believe Him, trust Him and honor Him.