Advent 2018: Revelation 16

Tuesday, December 18, 2018
PRAY and ask God to meet you and teach you as you read His word today.

READ Revelation 16. Meditate on verse 6 - how do you feel about God judging people?

REFLECT
God - What does God teach us about Himself through this text? Repeatedly Revelation portends a judgment, but there is a positive attitude toward this - we are waiting for God to judge to show up. Repeatedly we are told his judgment is true and just. God's power, authority, and righteousness come through.
Redeems - How does God work in our lives? Read this carefully: God redeems us through judgment. We need God to judge for sin needs to be addressed. It is in being judged unrighteous that the wonder and love of the cross of Christ is made real. God really did send Jesus for us, and for this purpose of redemption.
Our - What is our identity as highlighted here? It is amazing that some who are facing judgment stay stubbornly against God (9, 11, 21). We are marked not with the mark of the beast (2) but with the Holy Spirit that secures us to stay awake (15) and alert.
World - How is God calling us to share His grace with the world? It seems the time to turn to God has passed. Indeed, those who are facing judgment here show their true rejection of God, even to His face. We are called to share the Gospel now while we still can. The judgment will be harsh and terrible. Pray for your family and friends, your co-workers and neighbors, and everyone else to come to Jesus.

RESPOND
Brothers and sisters, the judgment is real. We need it to be. But it will be harsh. Jesus really took on human form, lived a life here while longing for home in heaven, and endured the cross and the grace for our sake. His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection were all real. Let us anticipate what more God is doing and will do, and let us pray for God to bring people to Him. God, You are righteous and just. Let us show how much You love by sharing Your Gospel with those around us. Let us grow deeper in our faith and grasp of grace. By Jesus' love, Amen.