Today’s Reading | Revelation 16
But They Refused
Why does God bring about these horrible judgments on the earth? We get part of the answer in today’s reading. As we read through this chapter, we can’t help but shudder at what it is going to be like to live on the earth during the bowl judgements. Imagine everyone having painful sores cover their bodies. People will not be pleasant. Imagine the smell when every living thing in the sea dies, and the rivers and springs become blood. Imagine the agony and outcry when people are not just sunburned, but are scorched and seared. Why do all of these things happen? According to verse six, they have shed the blood of saints and prophets. They, even in the midst of all these judgments, have refused to humble themselves before God or even behave civilly to those who serve Him. Even verse nine says that, in spite of their own physical pain from the sores and the sun, they refuse to repent or glorify God. How could someone be so foolish? These events end with an earthquake unlike any before it. Their response? – Still no repentance. Sin left undealt with can lead to unbelievable hardness. Make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
How does God reveal to you areas in which you need to repent?
So What?
In what areas do you see Him prompting you even now?
Now What?
How can you avoid developing a hard heart that refuses to repent?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?