One of the most depressing truths about human nature is our pride. John 3:16-19 reveals Jesus came to save the world so that we don't perish, but men loved darkness -- their evil deeds -- and refused to come to the light. Jesus didn't come to judge, but to save and yet men will choose to be separated from God and His goodness FOREVER rather than humble ourselves and admit we need His forgiveness.
In our walk through of Revelation, chapters 8 and 9, we see God seals the tribes of Israel and has a multitude of people from every nation and tongue rejoicing before His throne that salvation belongs to the Lord. There is and always has been a divine seal and protection over His people. Instead of being fearful and defeated, the people of God rejoice greatly to see the perfect plan of God and declare "blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever." Just as a policeman by the road may incite fear in every heart, those who are driving the speed limit can have peace.
At the opening of the seventh seal, the magnificent masterplan of establishing the Kingdom of God on earth brings overwhelming awe and speechlessness from all of heaven. All the prayers of the saints, who throughout the ages cried out for God's justice and praised His goodness, were mingled with the coals on heaven's fire to yield a pleasing incense before the throne. The harvest is ripe and God's unstoppable power and majesty are to be shown. The seven angels with the seven trumpets are ready and this dramatic climax begins.
Unlike the more "natural" events of the first six seals, this final seal releases significant supernatural consequences. Hail and fire, mingled with blood destroy a third of trees and grass. A mountain on fire hits the ocean turning a third of the sea into blood. A burning star from heaven turns a third of the rivers and springs of water into a bitterness that kills many. The fourth trumpet sounds and a third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened. Amazingly, just as Goshen was still in the light when all Egypt was darkened, the camp of the saints will continue to be unaffected. What a call to "Wake up and repent!"
Even the angels know and declare that the 3 remaining trumpets bring woe to those on the earth. The angel opens the bottomless pit releasing a horde of supernatural locusts that inflict great scorpion-like torment to those who do not have the seal of God, with such pain that they wish they could die. Following this, the next angel releases the supernatural beings held by the Euphrates river with their two million army that kill one-third of earth.
At this point, the heart of God, in the midst of these judgments, is revealed. The purpose of all these catastrophic events was to open the hearts of men to repent, but unfortunately many did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or thefts.
God has planted something deep inside of each of us that desires all thing to be right, and to execute His promise that all will reap what they have sown. As the body of Christ matures and hears the voice of God, the united Church will stand with Jesus calling forth the revealed judgments of Revelation so His purpose can be fulfilled. Thy kingdom come! Yet God is merciful and even in the midst of judgment longs for all to receive what Jesus has done on the cross. What a beautiful picture to show us the heart of God. Count if joy when trials come that we may be perfect lacking nothing.
No comments:
Post a Comment