Tag: Matthew 27:50-53
“It is Done!”
Scripture reading for December 22: Revelation 16
“The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been on earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 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 16:17-21
John observed as the seven angels poured out their golden bowls of God’s wrath on the earth. As the seventh angel poured out his bowl on the air of earth, a loud voice from God’s throne announced, “It is done!” This announcement reminds us of Jesus’ last loud cry from the cross, as He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)(Matthew 27:50) This final bowl produced amazing judgments on the earth. There was a tremendous earthquake that leveled all mountains and submersed all islands. The great city, Jerusalem, was split into three parts and the cities of the nations fell. The world system of antichrist, Babylon the great, was made to drink the final cup of God’s wrath. John saw hailstones weighing about one hundred pounds falling on people of the earth. Instead of repentance, they cursed the God of Creation.
God desires that no man would be lost so He provided His Son to take His wrath against sin. He invites all mankind to receive this mercy and has sent His believing children to share the Gospel. John is allowed to witness the final wrath poured out on those refusing His Son. He sent three angels to invite and warn mankind one last time. But those on the earth refuse repentance and curse God for their hopeless plight. They have believed the lie and are damned.
Have you considered God’s just and true judgments outlined here for us to receive warning and escape? Have you considered your own appointment with death and judgment? What are you doing to help others escape these judgments?
Prayer: Father, thank You that “It is finished!” I receive the finished work of Jesus Christ as my gift of mercy and forgiveness. I don’t want justice, but need mercy. Help me to live by faith and share the Gospel of grace with a world in darkness. Amen.
Resurrection power in the Gospel!
Scripture reading for February 8th: Matthew 27
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 27:50-53 “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”
Jesus was not murdered by Roman soldiers, He willingly gave up His spirit to the Father after suffering for the sins of all mankind. When His own obedience to the Father was complete, Jesus was released from His suffering and shame. This event was so powerful that the first event recorded by Matthew was the tearing of the thick veil on the temple. This was significant to Jews, because that veil had covered the Holy of Holies so that only the High Priest could enter, once a year for the sins of the people. Now the final sacrifice was completed, a better sacrifice that would satisfy God’s justice forever!
An earthquake also occurred which split rocks and opened some tombs of holy men and women of the past. This earthquake shook the realm of the dead to the core! Death could no longer hold those who by faith had looked to God for His salvation!
Observations for over-comers: Never forget the power of the Gospel message and the story of Jesus’ suffering and death for our sins! It has power to raise the dead and cause spiritual earthquakes that open the way to intimacy with God! “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; . .” (Job 19:25-26)