Revelation_16

 Scripture

Revelation 16:1Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”Observation

“In this chapter we have an account of the pouring forth of these vials that were filled with the wrath of God. They were poured out upon the whole antichristian empire, and on every thing appertaining to it. I. Upon the earth (v. 2). II. Upon the sea (v. 3). III. Upon the rivers and fountains of water (v. 4). Here the heavenly hosts proclaim and applaud the righteousness of the judgments of God. IV. The fourth vial was poured out on the sun (v. 8). V. The fifth on the seat of the beast. VI. The sixth on the river Euphrates. VII. The seventh in the air, upon which the cities of the nations fell, and great Babylon came in remembrance before God.” [https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/revelation/16.html]

In other words, in this vision, God’s wrath is poured on everyTHING that is left.UnderstandingThe wrath of God is terrifying…terrifying because there are likely people in your life and in mine that would suffer if Jesus was to come back today.I’ve heard of “the wrath of God”…have even read about it, multiple times I’m sure. But I feel like I must forget. Otherwise, why wouldn’t I live my life more on fire? If I recognized each day is an opportunity to be used to save people from “the wrath of God” – including festering sores, being scorched with fire, people gnawing their own tongues, watching things die as rivers, seas and springs of water turn to blood – I feel like I’d live differently.

As a shared a few weeks ago, I’ve had a bit of a crisis of faith over this past year; and, as of late, I feel like I’m having a bit of crisis of identity. It sounds dramatic, I know…but it just feels as though my newest navigation exercise is in the area of who I am, who I want to be and who God has called me to be. Reading Revelation is not my favorite; but it’s important as a reminder of who we are called to be and what we are called to do – to know God and make Him known...anything else is just, well, selfish.    

Life ApplicationI need to build my faith with urgency and live it out contagiously. Perhaps the imagery expressed here can be used as a catalyst.God, give me your heart and your eyes for the people I meet today and for those that I interact with in my everyday – family and friends that I claim to love. Remind me what is at stake – eternity experiencing your wrath OR your joy and peace.  May I not be lazy nor comfortable in my faith but continually press in to know you more and share the good news with urgency and passion.  Even as I write this, I feel resistance…I pray that you remove all resistance, break my heart for what breaks yours, help my unbelief and guide my steps. May I move forward boldly in your name.- Rei

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