Revelation 16
We talk a lot about grace in the Church but not often mercy. This attribute of God is what we find in this chapter for those who follow Peter’s example when he saw Jesus perform a miracle.
… he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Luke 5:8
That kind of heart Jesus can work with giving mercy, clemency, or pardon for our sins, however, for a rebellious heart there’s only wrath. Is God that angry? At this point in history, yes, Jesus has returned and taken home His Bride, the Church, but for those who remain in their rebellious, unrepentant state there’s no choice but to judge sin and vindicate His followers.
The bad news is everyone begins life in sin deserving God’s wrath thanks to Adam. However, when you recognize your sinful state, as Peter did, you receive mercy: that’s the good news. Mercy is keeping from you what you deserve (vs. 6) consequently, punishing the rebellious; it’s what they deserve. John saw people in that state and twice remarked, ‘they did not repent’ and cursed God for the plagues (vs. 21).
The seven final bowls of judgment will effect everyone at this point, remarkably resembling the plagues of Egypt, in order to prepare for the final battle: Armageddon. We might get bogged down in the plagues without verse 15 where Jesus reminds us He’s coming like a thief sneaks into your house unaware but we can be ready (Matt. 25:1-12; Mark 13:32-36, and Luke 12:32-40). Jesus gave us new spiritual clothes (vs. 15) when we repented and received His forgiveness: clothes of righteousness.
Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban. Job 29:14
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
After the seventh angel poured out the last bowl of punishment God spoke (the Greek is ‘megaphone’), as He did in verse 1, with a final declaration: “It is done” (vs.17). What God prepared from eternity has happened and His wrath is fully satisfied. He’s not finished with the unholy trinity which we’ll see in the next couple of chapters but He’s shown Himself faithful to the martyrs and His vengeance for their suffering has been accomplished.
There’s a wedding coming but we have to wait for the descriptions of how the world will look before the date arrives. Interestingly, the word for ‘done’ is also the word for ‘married’ and ‘belong to another’ in Rom. 7:3-4!
May we be ready for That Day as the five virgins of Matt. 25 who kept their lamps full of oil, welcomed the Bridegroom, attended the marriage feast, and were safely locked in.
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