Tag: Revelation 16
“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.
The Blessed Stay Awake!
Scripture reading for December 21st: Revelation 16
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Revelation 16:13-16 “Then I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. “Behold, I come like a thief!” Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.””
While deception by the demons of Satan and the Antichrist and False Prophet bring the world’s kings together for the final battle where God’s wrath is poured out and finished, God’s people are warned by Christ Himself that He will come like a thief to the world of the wicked. God’s people must hold onto their clothes in readiness for this climactic coming! These clothes are the white robes of Christ’s righteousness given by grace to those who believe!
Observations for over-comers: Each day is another day closer to Christ’s glorious appearing! Hold onto your clothes! “The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take of his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” (Zechariah 2:4)
Blessed is He who stays Awake!
Scripture reading for December 22nd: Revelation 16
In quick succession, the seven angels with the seven last plagues pour out the bowls of God’s wrath on the earth. These plagues bring to remembrance the plagues that God brought through Moses upon Pharaoh’s kingdom. Sores broke out on the people with the beast’s mark and the sea turned to blood, killing all living creatures. The rivers and springs became blood as well. “Then I heard an angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, You who are and Who were, the Holy One, because You have so judged; for they have shed the blood of Your saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink as they deserve.” (Revelation 16:5-6) Surely God is just and true in His judgments! (Revelation 15:3)
The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and gave it scorching power and the fifth poured his bowl on the throne of the beast and turned his kingdom into darkness. The sixth angel poured his bowl on the Euphrates River and dried up it’s waters. Evil spirits came out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet and they sent spirits of demons to draw the kings of the whole world to gather them for the final battle on the “great Day of God Almighty.” (See Joel 3:1-3,9-16) In spite of these judgment, the people of the earth curse God and blaspheme His Name! Sin is surely deceptive!
“Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Revelation 16:15) The words of Jesus bring encouragement to His people to stay awake! This will happen suddenly and only those ready will make it! (See Matthew 24:42-44, 25:1-13)