The Life of Jesus, Episode 51: “And The Trumpets Sang”

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Air Date: March 29, 2026
Featured Voices: Stacy Keach (John/Narrator), Lauren Green, Ainsley Earhardt, and others

Episode Overview

This immersive episode guides listeners through the dramatic middle chapters of Revelation, the climactic vision of John as described in the New Testament. Stacy Keach portrays John’s apocalyptic visions of the end times: the opening of the seven seals, the sounding of the trumpets, judgments poured out upon the earth, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. The retelling is interspersed with reflections on the symbolism and challenge of interpreting the prophetic and sometimes terrifying visions, with reminders of hope for the faithful.

Key Discussion Points & Content Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Seals and Trumpets (00:02-01:31)

• Ainsley Earhardt introduces the episode, preparing listeners for the fearsome but ultimately hopeful visions in Revelation.
• Encourages listeners to recognize God's sovereignty and the hope for believers, even as disasters unfold.

2. The Seven Seals Unleashed (01:31-07:57)

• Stacy Keach narrates the dramatic opening of the first six seals:
  • First Four Seals (The Four Horsemen):
    • White horse (conquest), red horse (war), black horse (famine), pale horse (death) ([01:31]-[03:15]).
    • “I saw and behold a white horse. And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him. And he went out conquering and to conquer.” — Stacy Keach as John ([01:34]).
  • Fifth and Sixth Seals:
    • Souls of martyrs plead for justice; massive earthquake and cosmic disturbances ([03:18]-[04:32]).
    • “O sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before thou wilt judge and avenge our blood...” — Martyrs’ cry ([03:18]).
• Sealing of the 144,000:
  • 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel protected ([04:51]-[06:51]).
• Heavenly Worship:
  • Saints in white robes; assurance that those who endured tribulation now receive salvation ([06:51]-[07:57]).
  • “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation... God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” — Heavenly elder ([07:12]).

3. The Trumpets of Judgment (07:57-15:58)

• Seventh Seal and Silence in Heaven:
  • Prepares for further judgments ([07:57]).
• First Four Trumpets:
  • Hail and fire scorch earth, a burning mountain turns sea to blood, star called “Wormwood” poisons waters, sun/moon/stars darkened ([07:57]-[10:44]).
• Announcement of Three Woes:
  • “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth...” — Cry from an eagle ([10:16]).
• Fifth and Sixth Trumpets:
  • Demon locusts torment humanity; four angels released to kill a third of mankind ([10:44]-[12:55]).
    • “In those days, men will seek death and will not find it.” — John ([11:17]).
• Vision of the Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll:
  • John eats the scroll, which is sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach — symbolizing the bittersweet nature of prophecy ([15:58]-[16:15]).
  • “Take it and eat; it will be bitter to your stomach but sweet as honey in your mouth.” — Angel ([15:58]).

4. The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet (16:28-19:40)

• The Two Witnesses:
  • Prophesy for 1,260 days, perform miracles, are slain by the beast, resurrected after three and a half days, and ascend to heaven ([16:28]-[18:54]).
  • The world rejoices at their death but is struck with terror at their resurrection and ascension.
• Seventh Trumpet and Heavenly Declaration:
  • God’s reign is announced; the temple and Ark in heaven revealed ([19:30]-[19:40]).
  • “We give thanks to thee, Lord God Almighty, who art and who wast, that thou hast taken thy great power and begun to reign.” — The elders worship ([19:30]).

5. The Woman, the Dragon, and the Two Beasts (19:40-29:40)

• Vision of the Woman and the Dragon:
  • Woman clothed with the sun gives birth; red dragon (Satan) seeks to destroy her child but fails ([19:40]-[22:07]).
• War in Heaven:
  • Michael and angels cast the dragon and his forces to earth; celebration in heaven ([22:07]-[22:49]).
  • “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God... have come. For the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down.” — Lauren Green as voice of heaven ([22:07]).
• The Beasts:
  • First beast (political power) and second beast (false prophet) rise ([22:49]-[27:00]).
  • Mark of the beast (666) introduced as a requirement to buy or sell ([25:55]-[27:45]).
  • “This calls for wisdom... Its number is 666.” — John ([27:40]).
• Redemption of the 144,000 and The Eternal Gospel:
  • The 144,000 sing a new song, angels proclaim judgment and warning against worshiping the beast ([27:45]-[29:40]).
  • “If anyone worships the beast... he shall be tormented with fire and sulfur.” ([28:58]).

6. The Harvest of the Earth (29:40-31:40)

• Blessed Are the Dead in the Lord:
  • Promise of rest and reward for the faithful ([29:52]).
  • “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth... for their deeds follow them.” ([29:52]-[29:57]).
• The Final Harvest and God’s Wrath:
  • Son of Man and angels reap the earth: one for salvation, one for judgment ([30:05]-[31:12]).
  • “Put in your sickle and reap, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” — Angel ([30:26]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Divine Sovereignty:

  • “The ones who belong to Jesus know that the same God who created the world has every right to destroy it.” — Ainsley Earhardt ([00:41])

• On the Apocalyptic Imagery:

  • “How could someone who lived in AD 90 describe a helicopter in battle? Could war helicopters be what John described as locusts arrayed for battle, with scales like iron breastplates and a noise like many chariots and horses rushing to battle?” — Ainsley Earhardt’s reflection ([32:27])

• On Hope for the Faithful:

  • “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” — Heavenly elder ([07:55])
  • “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth... for their deeds follow them.” — Voice from heaven ([29:52]-[29:57])

• On the Endurance of the Saints:

  • “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” — John ([29:40])

Reflection on the Vision (32:27-33:57)

• Ainsley Earhardt’s Commentary:
  • Reminds listeners that John’s vision was shaped by his limited frame of reference.
  • Stresses the symbolic vs. literal interpretation of Revelation’s visions.
  • Concludes with encouragement to live faithfully as the world approaches its end:
    • “Suffice it to say, those who don’t serve the Lord will wish they had, and those who do will rejoice. That final day is coming. The only question is when.” ([33:10])

Important Timestamps

• [01:31] — Seals opened, Four Horsemen ride
• [04:51] — 144,000 sealed and vision of the great multitude
• [07:57] — Seventh seal and the trumpets begin
• [10:16] — Eagle cries: “Woe, woe, woe...”
• [11:17] — Torture by locusts (demonic army), men seek death
• [16:28] — Two witnesses prophesy and are killed/resurrected
• [19:30] — Seventh trumpet; elders worship
• [22:07] — Dragon cast down, “Now salvation has come”
• [25:55] — Introduction of the beast’s mark, the “number of a man: 666”
• [29:40] — “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord”
• [30:05] — Final harvest and depiction of God’s wrath
• [32:27] — Modern reflection and the challenge of interpreting prophecy

Summary Tone and Style

The episode is epic and reverent, staying close to the apocalyptic grandeur of its biblical source while voiced in an emotionally resonant and almost cinematic narrative style. Performers deliver their lines with gravity, vividly describing both horror and hope.

Takeaway for Listeners

This episode offers a sweeping, immersive vision of Revelation’s most intense scenes — challenging but rich in hope for those who serve God. With its stellar cast and dramatic delivery, listeners are drawn into the drama of end-times judgment, the cosmic battle of good vs. evil, and the ultimate restoration promised by faith. Earhardt’s closing words urge listeners to heed the call to faithfulness as the world approaches its final days.