“For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand” (v.17)

The book of Revelation, in conjunction with Daniel, has led to many a debate about its meaning and significance.  Depending on your particular ‘end-times’ theology, you will approach the reading and interpretation of this book from an inevitable viewpoint.

Personally, I have been on a journey, and currently have an understanding of the events in this book from a classic or Historic Premillennialism rapture of the church viewpoint.

However, whatever your viewpoint, what is clear from our reading today is that a day and time will come when God will finally pour out His judgement upon the earth.  In John’s vision he sees Christ seated on the throne, opening the first six of seven seals. Each of the riders represent a terrible time for those living during these last days:

Conquest, Warfare, Famine, and Plague (see Matt 24:1-35, Mk 13:1-37, Lk 21:5-33).

A fifth seal sees martyrs receiving white robes, representing blessedness and purity.

And then, finally, the six seal causes both the earth and the heavens to be shaken, as if by a giant earthquake (in scripture, this is called ‘the Day of the Lord’).  Humanity realises that this is divine judgement, but rather than repent, king and peasant alike seek to hide from God’s wrath (v.15-17).  How is it that in such times, people will still not repent?

This chapter makes clear that God’s patience in dealing with sin and humanity will not go on forever, and a time is coming when, for those who have not embraced salvation in Christ through the Grace of God, it will be too late!

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Questions: 

How do we impress upon unbelievers the truth about God’s impending judgement?  Do we fully embrace the sense of urgency for those who are as yet, un-saved? How should we be praying, when we recognise we are closer to the ‘Day of the Lord’ than we have ever been?

Pray:

Holy Spirit, show me those people who, through your work in their lives, are now ‘ready’ to receive salvation so I can play my part in leading them to Christ, before it is too late? Amen.