January 26, Revelation 16
Remember Revelation is a highly symbolic and figurative book. By its nature as an apocalypse, the terrifying figures of speech and images about the physical world point beyond a literal interpretation to a spiritual one. The bowls of wrath affect the same components of the world as did the trumpets (but to a greater extent). But it is the spiritual environment, not the literal, physical one that is affected by the outpouring of God’s wrath.
The plagues on Egypt in Exodus, the historical accounts of the fall of Rome or the chaos of various revolutions around the world may remind us of some periods of disorder similar to these events. The point seems to be that wrath from God hardens defiantly impenitent people. Even after all the suffering they experienced, the people did not repent. Corruption, pain, ruin and destruction did nothing to humble these
people before God. Instead of humbly falling down in surrender and worship, they cursed God who had power over their plagues.
There’s no question in the angel’s mind that God’s judgment against evil is right. The display of God’s wrath does not contradict God’s character or nature. The angel recognized God as the author of the judgments, and said he was just and holy to judge. The angel said the retribution was what the murderers of the saints and prophets deserved, blood for blood.
Remember what’s been said about symbolic versus literal in apocalyptic literature when you come to the word Armageddon. Many students have imagined a literal battle in the literal valley where Israel and her pagan neighbors warred through the centuries. But isn’t there much more here? Armageddon means “place of decision.” Can you see how the battle is engaged daily, all around the world, in the real “place of decision,” the hearts of men and women who must choose to follow either the Lamb or his enemies? And also please remember the Lamb’s people are secure and not in danger of whatever the symbols of God’s outpoured wrath may mean.
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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