Today’s Reading: Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
Scripture: Revelation 16:8-9
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
Observation: These verses always make me shake my head, no matter how many times I read them. Here are people who are experiencing the judgment of God and they know it! And yet "they refuse to repent and glorify him." These stubborn people would rather face the painful consequences of resisting God than to humble themselves and turn to him.
Application: How sad this is. But it is true that there are many people who do not want to give in to God in any way and they will resist him to their grave. I don't understand this thinking but I believe it is a demonstration of sowing and reaping. People who sow to their pride and self and thus strengthen pride and self to the point that it would rather face destruction rather than give up. The message is: turn to God now!
Prayer: Lord, you are calling all people to yourself. I want to bow to you now and every day. Thank you for your mercy which you have given to me. Help me to lead others to bow to your name.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Title: A Time For Reverent Fear / Topic: Coming Judgment
Today’s Reading: Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14
Scripture: Revelation 14:6-7
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."
Observation: This angel, flying over the earth, has "the eternal gospel to proclaim." Since gospel means "good news" I would expect that he would be sharing something encouraging and hopeful. But what he says doesn't seem too encouraging: "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."
Application: When the time that this prophecy actually has arrived, this message will be good news. The situation on the earth will have become so dire that the phrase "the hour of his judgment has come" will bring hope for God's deliverance and the restoration of justice on the earth. And as God's intervention approaches, the only response that makes sense is to "fear God and give him glory." Mankind will become increasingly wicked and cruel and those who love the Lord will increasingly suffer persecution and death, so turning to God is the only logical thing to do. As he coming draws nearer, those who love him will gladly worship him in reverent fear while those who hate him will rage against him and those who honor him. This is no time for ambivalence -- it is an hour of decision. I choose to fear the Lord and give him glory.
Prayer: Lord, you are Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them. You are the Sovereign Lord and I honor you as my Lord and God. Keep me and those I love within the covering of your love and protection. Help your people to walk in holiness and dedication to you, shunning to indulge in any of this world's deceptive pleasures. Keep us on the narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Revelation 14:6-7
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."
Observation: This angel, flying over the earth, has "the eternal gospel to proclaim." Since gospel means "good news" I would expect that he would be sharing something encouraging and hopeful. But what he says doesn't seem too encouraging: "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."
Application: When the time that this prophecy actually has arrived, this message will be good news. The situation on the earth will have become so dire that the phrase "the hour of his judgment has come" will bring hope for God's deliverance and the restoration of justice on the earth. And as God's intervention approaches, the only response that makes sense is to "fear God and give him glory." Mankind will become increasingly wicked and cruel and those who love the Lord will increasingly suffer persecution and death, so turning to God is the only logical thing to do. As he coming draws nearer, those who love him will gladly worship him in reverent fear while those who hate him will rage against him and those who honor him. This is no time for ambivalence -- it is an hour of decision. I choose to fear the Lord and give him glory.
Prayer: Lord, you are Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them. You are the Sovereign Lord and I honor you as my Lord and God. Keep me and those I love within the covering of your love and protection. Help your people to walk in holiness and dedication to you, shunning to indulge in any of this world's deceptive pleasures. Keep us on the narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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