Revelation 16
Bible Passage: Revelation 16
This is a scary chapter to read. As if one bowl of judgment is not bad enough, seven bowls of the wrath of God was poured onto the earth.
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls[a] of the wrath of God on the earth.” Revelation 15:1
This loud voice must be God Himself, who personally initiates the horrific judgment of the bowls. These bowl judgments remind me of the plagues that God sent upon Egypt in the days of Moses.
Foul and loathsome sores. Sea turned into blood. Fresh waters polluted. The sun scorches man. Plague of darkness. Armies gathered for great battle. The final judgments.
I believe the magnitude of these disasters far surpasses what we see in movies about the end of the world, far more dreadful than the disasters around the world we see on the news.
Isn’t God too harsh to unleash these harsh and frightening judgments onto people who He loved, who He died for?
On the other hand, haven’t I been harsh to God as well? When God does not answer my prayers, I questioned and doubt Him, putting my ways above His.
Haven’t I been “frightening” as well? Not only am I filled with the Holy Spirit, I am also filled with evil thoughts and fleshly desires.
Surely these are hurtful towards my Lord Jesus who died for my sins.
“…and they did not repent and give Him glory.” Revelation 15:9
Despite the discipline from God, these people were unrepentant, hard-hearted, stiff necked.
How about ourselves? Are we truly repentant? Do we sincerely want to turn away from our sins and desires?
2011 is drawing to a close. The end of the world is approaching so quickly. This is a great warning for us to turn back and return to God, before it is too late.
While God is still merciful, while His door is still open for us, ready to bless and forgive us, we have to lead godly lives, have pure and holy hearts, and step up on our faiths.
May the Lord have mercy and guide us.