So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image… They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory… and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. (Revelation 16:2, 9, 11)
The escalating judgments of Revelation are pictures of the perfect justice of God and the total depravity of those who refuse to worship Him.
Like swimmers in a flood who refuse to accept life jackets and boats, these people refuse to repent, to turn away from their wickedness and thus be saved from the rising tide. Like a person who provoked another to violence by repeated assault, then got angry at being hit back in return, these people curse God for allowing them to receive the consequences of their actions, and blame Him for the suffering they brought upon themselves.
Have you ever done the same?
Be very careful not to blame God for the pain caused by your own sinful and foolish choices. Jesus is full of mercy and love and forgiveness for you, but it makes no difference if you don’t accept responsibility and come to Him humbly to receive.
God does not delight in your suffering, but in your salvation! (Ezekiel 18:23; 1 Timothy 2:3-4) Don’t push Him away when you think He’s being unfair. Draw close to Him in humility, accept the fruit of your actions, and receive His forgiveness and restoration.
It is only when we grasp and accept the rightness of God’s justice that we can truly appreciate the beauty of His mercy. So, be honest with yourself and let this truth lead you to peace.
God’s justice is a pathway to His mercy.
–Pastor Phillip
