Judgment Day

SCRIPTURE

Revelation 16:1-7 (NRSV)
God's judgments are true and just

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."

So the first angel went and poured his bowl on the earth, and a foul and painful sore came on those who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.

The second angel poured his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing in the sea died.

The third angel poured his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say,
"You are just, O Holy One, who are and were,
for you have judged these things;
because they shed the blood of saints and prophets,
you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!"

And I heard the altar respond,
"Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty,
your judgments are true and just!"



DEVOTION

As a pastor I am very well aware that many Christians find the book of Revelation to be mysterious at best and downright frightening at its worst!

I actually know Christians who refuse to read the book of Revelation. I am so sad for them because they are missing out on a book of prophesy that is as full of good news, as it is bad.

Today’s scripture reading is chock-full of a lot of bad news. The bad news is that scripture affirms that there will come a day of reckoning for the Earth and the people of the Earth. On that fateful day, God will pour out God’s wrath and unrepentant sin will be rewarded with death! How terrifying!

But, in response to this reality someone in heaven declares, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just!” My friends, this is very good news!

Because God’s judgments are true and just we know that we will receive a “fair hearing.” And in anticipation of that Day of Judgment, God has already “tipped” the scales of justice in our favor by allowing Love to send Jesus to the cross.

Because God loves us so much, God has already made provision for God’s wrath and judgment to be appeased. Jesus died on the cross, taking the punishment for our sin upon himself, forgiving our sin, reconciling our relationship with God, and opening The Way for us to inherit eternal life!

As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are invited to be at peace! The Apostle Paul said to the church at Rome, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)!

Wow! What wonderful good news! Hallelujah!

Because of our saving faith in Jesus, we are not condemned. The wrath and the judgment that will visit the Earth will not be ours to bear. Jesus has already paid the price for our sin and reconciled our relationship with God. As a result, we do not need to live in fear—at all!

Instead, we get to live in glorious expectation of Jesus’ return! There will come a day—described in the book of Revelation—when God will establish a new heaven and a new earth. In that locale there will be no more pain, sorrow, fear or tears. Won’t that be a wonderful day?

I don’t know about you, but when I think about God’s Love and Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am filled with great joy! If you are not, I want to invite you to pray with me today.

Holy God, you are an awe inspiring God. I love and respect you, but I don’t want to live in terror of you any longer. It is clear to me that you love me very much and have only my good in mind. I thank you for giving Jesus to die on the cross for me. I believe that he rose again on the third day. Today, I am putting all of my faith in Jesus! Because I have done so, I will no longer fear your wrath or judgment. Being free from my fear sets me in motion to share this good news with others. Please forgive my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will be equipped and empowered to do so. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.


SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you are saved! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would let me know about your decision today by clicking "YES" in the poll located in the upper-right hand corner of the good news blog in answer to the question, "Did God save you today?"

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!