January 25, Revelation 15
God’s patience runs out. Even though he is long-suffering and his great desire is to save his fallen yet beloved race, the time comes when the Lord’s patience and sinners’ opportunity to turn to him comes to an end.
One of the saddest passages in the Old Testament describes how God sent the prophets to warn and call Israel and Judah to repentance again and again because of his compassion for them. But the nation mocked the messengers and despised God’s words until the wrath of the Lord rose against his own people, and the Chronicler concludes, “there was no remedy.”
It’s also like Jesus weeping over Jerusalem and the Jewish establishment that had rejected him: “How often would I have gathered you… and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate.” Time was up. Only judgment remained.
In today’s portion, the message once again assured the redeemed they were safe from God’s wrath. They’re singing the song of Moses and the Lamb by the sea of glass. But the angels with the seven golden bowls of God’s wrath are about to pour out judgment on the impenitent and rebellious. The judgment, already prophesied and foreshadowed, is about to come. What the seals revealed and the trumpets heralded is about to be poured out. The Lord’s angels are wearing linen and golden sashes, like the Lord himself wore back in chapter one. The bowls are distributed. The tabernacle is filled with smoke—no more intercession. Judgment has come.
God who is loving and merciful is also righteous and holy. His wrath against evil is necessary because of his strong, pure character. When rebels will not repent, when they reject the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, judgment comes. This sad moment is not reserved only for the end of the world. As we saw, nations have reached that point in history. Individuals may reach that point, too, where their impenitent rebellion is crystallized, and the moment of grace passes, leaving only judgment. Let’s make
sure we never presume upon God’s patience.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—January 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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