Revelation 15

Revelation 15

There comes a point at which even God's patience has run out. He has called and even pleaded for men to repent, but they have refused. He has gone after the lost sheep, but the lost sheep, when found, runs away. There comes a point at which even God says, “Enough.” In this chapter, that point has come. In this chapter we will see a convergent moment. God’s people who have suffered and have been oppressed by the powers of darkness witness vengeance. “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord. His people have left it to Him to repay, and they are about to witness His just retribution on their enemies. The treatment of God's people has not been fair. Now justice will be served. The picture here is reminiscent of Exodus 14 through 15. During the 10 plagues, God warned and called Egypt to repentance, but they refused. At the crossing of the Red Sea, Israel is brought safely through, and her enemies are destroyed. That tiny expression of justice is now expressed universally.

Seven angels are given seven bowls. When you pour something from a bottle or a jug, it takes a moment. The narrow neck slows the pouring. When you pour something from a bowl, it is instantaneous and complete. God's wrath is about to be poured out in total, like from a bowl. Earlier in Revelation 7, trumpets warned the people; they were dire warnings, but not God’s complete wrath. God's patience is now exhausted, and the time of warning has passed. This is about God's revenge. There are times when it is best to leave an angry person alone. In verse 8, it is time to leave God to His anger, to leave Him alone. Do not approach Him to plead for the world. Do not ask Him for mercy for the wicked. This is the time simply to watch.

For those of us who have never experienced persecution, who have never had our families torn apart by martyrdom, who have never been refugees because we lost all to the enemy, it is hard to comprehend this passage. The love of God, the mercy of the cross, and the kind ministry of the saints have been flatly rejected. Some things are just not right; they are a monstrous, universal evil. God says to the world, “You have rejected my grace; all that is left is wrath.” The church, God's people, marvel at perfect justice and awesome might coming together in this universal, convergent moment.

“Lord, bring Your justice to this world. AMEN”