Tag: refuse repentance
A Third of Mankind Dies
Scripture reading for December 11: Revelation 9
“Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind.” The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lion’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.” Revelation 9:13-18
John was describing the things to come as they were showed him by God as he was caught up to heaven and shown visions of the future. God’s plans are set in heaven and nothing or no one can stop or change His will. God knows everything, even the end from the beginning! God is all-powerful and controls all authority in heaven and on the earth.
John had observed the Lamb opening the seven seals on the scroll taken from God’s hand. As the seventh seal was opened, John saw the seven angels with seven trumpets preparing to sound. Now the sixth angel sounded his trumpet and a command was given to release the four angels bound at the river Euphrates. These rebellious angels were now set free at the appointed hour, day, month and year assigned by God. Their mission was judgment on the rebellious of earth by killing one third of mankind. Fire, smoke, and sulfur coming from the strange ‘horses’ ridden by this army eliminated one of every three people on earth. This was an act of mercy by God to spare some. It is to be noted, that those left after this great slaughter refused to repent of their evil deeds of sexual immorality, theft, murder, or idolatry. (Revelation 9:20-21)
How does this vision expand your understanding of God’s justice and mercy? Why didn’t those surviving this terrible judgment repent of their evil deeds? How would you explain how a God of love and mercy could still send these terrible judgments on those made in His image?
Prayer: Father God, have mercy on those rebellious still on earth. I know that You desire that none perish and all come to repentance and life. Thank You for offering mercy through Jesus Christ. I also recognize Your holiness and justice punishing all who refuse Your free gift of mercy and forgiveness. Hide me in Your Son from the coming wrath. Amen.