Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Daniel 5-7; Revelation 7
Devotional Thought:
Chapter six of Revelation describes the torments, terrors, and tragedies of a world under the judgment of God. The tribulation period is divided into the seven seals of judgment. The seventh seal is divided into seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet is divided into the seven vials or bowl judgments. Although the first five seals are terrible, the world refuses to acknowledge that they are the judgment of God. However, by the time the sixth and seventh seals are unleashed, no one on earth doubts how horrific it is for sinners to fall into the hands of an angry God. We prefer to think about God’s love, grace, mercy, and goodness. However, the great tribulation is a time to see God’s sovereignty, righteousness, holiness, and justice. Here in chapter seven we find that there is a transition from looking at the destruction against the ungodly to a preservation of the godly. God chooses to hold back the impending judgments of the trumpets to demonstrate His grace to the godly and His justice to the ungodly. The words “hold back” give us the picture that the winds are wanting to blow and the plagues are ready to break forth, but they are being held back. The idea of a racehorse in the shoot ready and anxious for the restraint to open so he can break forth. God holds them back with his power.
This chapter ends with a glorious scene of worship to the Lord. Those who are saved during the tribulation are gathered around the throne of God and they cry, “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” (vs. 12) What a contrast we see in this chapter in the revelation of God’s justice upon the ungodly and His grace shown to His own. Those who have suffered so much in the earth are sheltered under the wing of the Almighty. He shall feed them so they will never suffer hunger. He shall give them to drink so they will never thirst. He will be with them so they will never be lonely. He will provide so they will never suffer. I am so thankful for a God who was willing to pay the price tag of my sin, so I may dwell in perfect fellowship with Him forever.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to never forget your hatred for sin. Help me to see your holiness and desire to be holy as you are holy. Help me to never excuse or make excuses for sin in my life.
• Lord, thank you for preparing a place of complete bliss and happiness. A place of perfect rest and supply. For promising me escape from the judgment to come. I am so very thankful.
• Lord, please help me to be more motivated to share the gospel knowing that the time of your return may be very soon. Help me to see people the way that you see them. May I love them to the truth and be faithful to share it continually.