Vol.4, No.49 – December 8, 2019, Countdown to the end – 36
They are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon –Revelation 16:14-16
Have you ever attended a biblical prophetic conference? There are plenty to choose from. Would you go to one with a theme, The Road to Armageddon . . . and Beyond?
In the section of Revelation, identified as chapter sixteen, the pace of the Bowl Judgments seems to increase the speed of God’s judgments. This may be where the organizers of that prophetic conference gleaned the title. Revelation 16 focuses on the record of God’s Bowl Judgments upon the world, on the road to Armageddon. Filmmakers that attempt to include Armageddon themes can only produce child’s play when compared to the Bowl Judgments God brings upon the earth.
There are many who find it difficult to believe (even many “Christians”) that God is going to pour out His wrath on a rebellious, God-hating world, and destroy civilization. It must be a metaphor, they think! The average person believes God is sweetness, light, and love, not willing to discipline or punish anyone. This is much more than a teachable moment; it is full accountability as promised by holy God.
The Bible is a unique book; when we read it, the Bible is God speaking to us directly! Many passages of Scripture bring delight to us; Revelation 16 is tragic, terrible, and full of terror. This passage is about severe judgment that is an unthinkable world event.
Note the seven judgments in that day when seven angels pour out the bowls upon the earth; the seven bowls of the wrath of God (16:1).
There is no mention of comfort or consolation. The body of Christ is not present; Jesus snatched them away. Notice seven outcomes of the judgments:
- Putrefying sores that are worse than leprosy of cancer
- Seas becoming a grave of death instead of a womb of life
- Entire water supply of the earth cut off
- Sun so intense that humanity is scorched (broiled)
- Sun bringing its radiation to humanity such that they chew their tongues in pain
- Euphrates completely dried up
- World’s worst earthquakes and hailstorms with unbelievable 100 pound hailstones
Seven bowls of God’s wrath paints a picture of some of the events that will take place in the great and final conflict, in the Hebrew Har-Magedon (Mount of Megiddo). The valley is 50 miles wide and 100 miles long. It will be the rallying place of the kings of the world, led by unclean spirits (demons) issuing from the mouth of the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet. They assemble for war.
The war is actually the War of the Great Day of God, the Almighty. God wins.
Worthy are you, our Lord and God! Revelation 4:11
He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! Revelation 2:7
Behold, Jesus is coming soon Revelation 22:6
Life Application
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. –2 Peter 3:17-18
Thought for the Season
The shepherds came to worship the Prince of Peace, who came to finally bridge the separation between God and mankind, and purchase peace . . . . As you read the account, you know you are dealing with something so shocking and out of place that the world will never be the same again –Paul Trip, in Come Let us Adore Him
