During the climactic sequence of judgements pictured here in Revelation 16 it is perplexing to note that, despite these things, people still do not turn back to God. Their world is crumbling around them and yet they continue to set themselves against God. This scenario is described twice (vss. 9 and 11). It highlights the fact that a world of proof will not turn a person back to God. We must be willing. The manifestation of the persistent spite of these people towards God serves to vindicate the judgements pictured here in chapter 16. The climax of this persistent spite is the battle of Armageddon. The event echoes the rebellion of the builders of the tower of Babel (Genesis 11). They organise themselves, and thereby define themselves, by their will to stand against God. It is at this climactic moment that the final bowl is unleashed. It brings about the final collapse of all worldly powers so that, when it is over, the declaration goes out: “It is finished.” These were the very words that Jesus spoke on the cross just before he died. And for those who believe in him, judgement is indeed finished already. We can either do judgement with God now and have Jesus take the curse of the bowls for us, or we leave it until then, when we will have to bear it ourselves. Keep short accounts with God. Bring out all your guilt to Jesus and let him take it all away from you.
Pray for those whom you know who are yet to accept Jesus.
Read Revelation 16:15-21
