The next set of seven unfolds before John. The sealed scroll is now fully opened. The prayers of God’s people are heard. And now, reflecting the judgement of God on Egypt in Exodus, God now judges the idols of the world. As God does, He reveals their powerlessness in the face of His power, He reveals their damage in the face of His care, and He calls people to return to Him.

God also reveals, in the interlude, the place of His people in all this. His people are to proclaim and prophecy. His people are kept safe, spiritually. His people will triumph, in exactly the same way Jesus did.

As all things come to an end, we must recognise that what takes place here is both future-focused, but with wisdom and clarity for God’s mob now. We must call the world to turn from giving devotion to anything but God; and, as we do, we must know that the world will lash out but we are safe.