Scripture Text: Revelation 15:1-16:21
[15:1] Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
[16:1] 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.”
Revelation 15:1, 16:1 (ESV)
Many churches today want to give people a good experience. They want visitors to feel at home. The music is catchy and the sermon upbeat. This is understandable—we want visitors to return and members to stay involved. But if this is all we care about, we will rarely talk about God’s wrath.
Today’s text offers a glimpse of the measure of God’s wrath. Seven angels appear with the last seven plagues that precede the coming of Christ. This is the judgment of the seventh trumpet and the culmination of the seventh seal. It may help to think of the relationship between the seventh seal, the seven trumpets, and the seven plagues as nested. Like Russian dolls, the seventh seal contains the seven trumpets, and the seventh trumpet contains the angels with the seven bowls of wrath.
The appearance of the seven angels prompts those who have gained victory over the beast by following the Lamb to the point of death to break into song. Notice that those who are protected by the blood of Christ are not horrified at the thought that God’s wrath is about to be completed.
The plagues contained in the seven bowls are more extensive versions of those from the seven trumpets. (They also echo the plagues visited on Egypt in the Exodus.) The beast counters with warfare led by three demonic spirits who perform signs to persuade the kings of the earth to take up arms against the Messiah.
When they gather together at Armageddon, the stage is set for the final war against the Lamb. It will not last long: it involves a shout, an earthquake, and a plague of 100-pound hailstones (vv. 17–21). Instead of repenting, those afflicted by this last judgment will curse God.
Reflect
1. How does the message of Revelation 15-16 challenge you to examine your own relationship with God?
2. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and turn back to God if you've strayed away?
3. In what ways can you prepare yourself for the return of the Lord Jesus, as hinted in these passages?
Remember
This has a strong message. It shows that if people turn away from God, they'll face punishment. This reminds us that God is perfect and sin has consequences. But it also gives hope. It tells us to come back to God with faith and honesty. Those who do will be kept safe during tough times. This shows that there's a big difference between those who believe and those who don't. Even if judgments make unbelievers stubborn, God will always protect those who trust in Him.
Lastly, these parts of Revelation hint that the Lord Jesus will come back soon. This reminds believers to get ready for that big “Day.”
Read
Psalm 7:8-11; Nahum 1:2–7; Matthew 13:41-50
Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the message of hope and warning in Your words. Help me to reflect on my relationship with You and to recognize any areas where I may have turned away from Your path. Give me the strength and wisdom to return to You with sincere faith and honesty.
Please protect me during times of difficulty and trial, as You promise to do for those who trust in You. Help me to remain steadfast in my belief, even when faced with challenges that may try to lead me astray.
As I eagerly await the return of Your Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus, help me to prepare myself spiritually and emotionally. May I live each day with anticipation and readiness for that glorious day when He will come again.
Thank You for Your love, grace, and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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