When we read Chapter 6 of the Book of Revelations, it may seem like the end of the world but that is not true; there has to be another way to read the Book. In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar, Frances Hogan, explains how St. John takes all his imagery from the Prophets of the Old Covenant. 

Jesus prepared the church for the “Judas factor” - a defector who has all the graces from God and holds a prominent role - and the effects of the defection will be massive. So, what brings down the wrath of God on the earth is the corruption of the church - heresy, apostasy, and immorality. We are given two choices: run toward God or run away from Him. Sinners will run and hide from the wrath of God and the saints will have no fear.

In the Bible, the land usually is the Jewish territory, the sea is the Gentile territory, and the trees are the chosen people of God. In Chapter 7, Frances Hogan explains who survives the wrath of God; those in the company of the saints will be saved and those who aren’t will be in grave danger. St. John repeatedly emphasizes that God is in control. We see God’s restraining hand over the forces of destruction and God wants to protect His church; judgment is delayed until the church is safe. 

The road to redemption is through the road of suffering

Bible References:

Rev. 6:14 - “The sky disappeared…”Is. 34.4 - “The Heavens are rolled up like a scroll…”Lev. 19:2 - “You shall be holy…”Rev. 6:16 - “Hide us from the anger of the Lamb”Rev. 7:1-4 - Who will survive the day of the Lord?Dan. 7:2 and Jer. 49:36 - The four winds represent the destructive forces of the earthJer. 4:11-12, Jer. 18:17, Jer. 49:36, and Jer. 51:1-2 - The desert windsIs. 41 - The desert winds represent the destructive enemyZec. 6:1-8 - Winds are powers of destruction; also described as horses of white, black, etc…Dan. 6:17 - Sealed by God1 Tim. 2:4 - God wants everybody to be savedDan. 7 & Dan. 8 - Ferocious, destructive empiresJer. 49 - The destroying nationsMatt. 16 - Those who want to follow Christ must carry their cross

Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan takes you to the world of the Apocalypse of John shown to us in the Book of Revelation written from the Greek island of Patmos. Through this podcast, we will try to understand the Book of Revelation through St. John’s warnings, the punishment that awaits, and the consolation the Lord offers to the faithful.

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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