The Sun Darkened
Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? It’s amazing—and a little eerie. In the middle of the day, everything goes dark, the air gets cooler, and for a few minutes, the sun is completely hidden. Imagine if you didn’t know what was happening. Would you feel scared?
In Revelation 8:12, the Bible talks about a time when the sun, moon, and stars will be darkened. It’s part of God’s warning to the world in the fourth trumpet.
“Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.” -Revelation 8:12
But before you get worried, let’s look at what this really means.
Why Does the Bible Talk About Darkness?
Darkness is often a symbol for being far from God. Jesus and the prophets used it to describe what happens when people reject God’s truth. Isaiah 13:9-10 says:
“Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.” -Isaiah 13:9-10
That sounds intense! But before we panic, let’s remember that God gives these warnings because He loves us and wants us to turn to Him. These passages tell us that one of the last signs before Jesus comes again is the sun, moon and stars being darkened. God is coming to rescue his people. However, those who cling to sin will be destroyed. Before a complete darkness comes over this earth, there are trumpet warnings. God does not want anyone to be lost. This fourth trumpet is only a partial darkening of the celestial lights. There is still time to repent and follow the life-giver, Jesus.
Should I Be Afraid?
Not if you follow Jesus! He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). If we walk with Him, we will never walk in darkness. Even when the world seems scary, we can have peace knowing that Jesus is in control. In this fourth trumpet plague only a third of the sun, moon, and stars go dark. This isn’t total darkness yet—just a warning! God is giving people time to turn back to Him before it’s too late. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost.
How Can I Shine in a Dark World?
Something amazing happens when we follow Jesus—we become lights to others! Daniel 12:3 says that those who lead others to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. You can be a light by:
⭐ Trusting Jesus every day.
⭐ Reading the Bible and learning His truth.
⭐ Sharing His love with others.
Even in the darkest times, Jesus’ light never goes out. And when He comes back, the darkness will be gone forever! That’s a reason to have hope for the future. He is coming back soon to get rid of the darkness.
Want to teach your kids more about the Seven Trumpets in Revelation. Get the Seven Trumpets Workbook, a Bible study workbook for kids ages 8-12. Some grownups like it to. 😉
