Yesterday’s reading hinted salvation for those who
resisted the “beast” and stayed
faithful in trusting God. There is nothing exactly like that in today’s
reading. It begins with the pouring out “on
the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 16:1) This is a
scene too awful to comprehend. I’m writing only a summary.
The first bowl produces painful sores on those who “bore the mark of the beast and worshiped
its image.”
The second bowl destroyed every living thing in the sea.
The third bowl turned all streams and rivers into blood.
The fourth bowl allowed the sun to scorch people with
fierce heat but they “refused to repent
and give Him glory.”( In the current fear of climate change, I cannot help
but think that this should convince humanity that people do not control the
weather, but apparently they are not.)
The fifth bowl destroyed the beast and his kingdom. And
people still cursed God and refused to repent.
The sixth bowl dried up the Euphrates making way for the “kings of the east.” At the same time, demonic
spirits were released and they assembled the kings of the world to go to battle
at a place called Armageddon.
The seventh bowl produced a “great earthquake” that split “the
great city” into thirds and the cities of the nations fell, as did the
islands and mountains. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each,
fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail,
because the plague was so severe. (Revelation 16:21)
These bowls of wrath result in similar judgments as the
seven trumpets but they are on the entire earth and much more severe and final.
Most interpretations conclude that the seven bowls are an expansion of the
seventh trumpet just as the seven trumpets are an expansion of the breaking of
the seventh seal.
Sometimes people ask why eternal punishment is eternal. This
passage shows the answer; sin hardens hearts and if those hard of heart will
not change, what else can be done? It is logical that without repentance there
can be no forgiveness. It is not the fault of God. He gives everyone the means,
knowledge and opportunity to turn to Him. Those who go to eternal punishment have
made their choice.
As much as I have a huge lump in my throat for the
awfulness of judgment, my eyes are wet with tears at the words of Jesus in this
passage:
“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Revelation 16:15)
Not all have refused to repent. This verse mentions those
clothed in robes of righteousness, covered by the forgiving and redeeming blood
of Christ. He returns with hope even in the midst of wrath. This hope is not an
excuse; repentance should never be put off for ‘someday’ but done as soon as
possible. But these words are a blessing to my heart and my hope for those in
my prayers who have not yet given their lives to Jesus.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Oh Jesus, how do I apply this? How is it practical? The
first thing is to keep praying for You to open the eyes of the blind and have
mercy on those who sit on the fence. The next thing is to be at peace; You are
in control. Nothing happens apart from Your command. Our world right now is in
a state of fear about all sorts of things, but You are not the author of fear .
. . “for God gave us a spirit not of fear
but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) However, You are
the One who controls the weather and yet any fear over climate change is not
from You. Lord God, Christmas reminds me that You came to bring peace on earth.
The eventual outcome will be eternal peace for all who trust You. How my heart
longs for people to have that trust.
Today’s thankful list . . .
- the unexpected seeing of Jesus’ grace even in the middle
of judgment.
- the unexpected conversation about God’s power at lunch
today with friends.
- the power of God to use His words to touch hearts.
- safety on the streets in new snow turned to slush.
- fun shopping with my hubby.
- the ability to tease and be teased with family and friends.
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