Every year, wildfires break out on America’s west coast, decimating forests and grasslands, threatening homes, and turning the sunset skies into a haze of pink. The power of fire is terrifying and awesome, and we’ve all seen the danger it poses to homes and lives in its path. While fire holds a mighty power for destruction, the land on the west coast actually needs a certain amount of these fires; they clean forest floors, pare down the plants that consume the water, kill plant diseases, and release seeds from trees that require fire to start the next generation. Don’t let the power and terror of fire mask the severe good that it serves.
The coming of God’s judgment is a terror to the wicked, but it is a comfort to His children. God’s judgment is not blind punishment. It is the setting right of all things. God comes to judge sin and avenge injustice. And in Scripture we see that He holds back judgment for a time so that many more might come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). To those who trust in Him, His judgment is a refining fire that strips away sin and removes the sting of death. God’s judgment sets the world right again.
He comes to undo the curse and make all things new. God’s judgment carries this beautiful promise: “They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any scorching heat” (Revelation 7:16). What a joyful declaration! Our king will take away the curse of sin and death and bring us to a place of satiety and comfort. I love that the God of the universe cares whether or not I’m hungry or too hot. Our personal comfort seems so small on the universal scale of things. God’s concern for even our thirst is an indication of His tender, personal love.
God’s final judgment comes to reveal His reign. For all things are His. The whole book of Revelation (indeed the whole canon of Scripture) is about Christ, and this is what it says about Him: He’s seated on a throne (v.17); He is wise and powerful, never caught off guard (v.12 ); He shelters us, and we are safe in Him (v.15); and His gospel is true (v.10).
The burning fire of God’s judgment is unquestionably a terror to those who do not know Him. But to those who are called by His name—to His own children—the coming of His judgment heralds the setting right of all things. He comes to rescue His children and bring them home.
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44 thoughts on "How Long, O Lord?"
6:15-17: instead of repenting, they would rather hide themselves & have mountains & rocks fall on them. The stubbornness of man’s heart! But for the grace of God that would have been me.
7:9-10: what an awesome thing to anticipate- worshipping with all people who are blood bought saints!
For me this is a very timely study considering the new war that started in Israel and Gaza 5 days ago.
I praise God that he is in control of who is in control and that He is watching over all His children and that He will have the victory over all.
I also am not entirely understand what the third seal is about. If anyone has any I information about the significance that’d be wonderful
According to my study bible, it alludes to the Third Seal/Horseman being famine.
One of my biggest fears is to go before the Lord and for him to proclaim that he does not know me. It is a constant reminder that I am not here to be glorified nor to be seeking my own. Instead I am here as an instrument and the Lord is the director of the music that comes out of that instrument. A fire is an excellent reminder how we see must destructive thing as an awful and unnecessary act. Just as it I mention, wild fires are a crucial act in order to bring new life and kill the old and diseased. Thank you Holy Spirit for wisdom and I ask that you walk and guide me daily.
No, the 144,000 are Jewish people bot Gentiles that God will use in the Tribulation Period.
I think this is the first time I dont really agree with the devotional part. The Great Tribulation and Gods Judgement being poured out is not pertain to the Bride of Christ, Those are the Tribulation Saints. And the 144,000 are not Gentiles they are Jewish people. Thr tribulation period is also called ‘Jacobs Trouble’. The church isnt subject to the wrath and judgement of God in revelation. Jesus took the wrath of God upon himself on the cross, Would any bridgeroom so that whoeeverbeat down His Bride beleieves on him may be saved. And scruptures say ‘Be found worthy to escape’. What bridegroom would beat down His Bride right before the wedding?
Maybe something great to watch would be a series our church has been doing on “Escaping Babylon” There are 6 parts.
The series can be found on YouTube under the channel for : JoshGen
Did Paul have to write this in code when sharing with the churches during persecution? I wish I better understood the time, culture that Paul lived in within context of Revelations. Above all I rest in Jesus and trust in Him. Reading many of your comments I am reminded that when I get groceries or wherever to listen to the spirit and put Gods purpose above my own.
I was broken hearted as I read today’s text for those who are lost in this world. I think of children who walk away from the Lord…even my own young children…will they resist the temptation of this world? I just can’t fathom the people I love the most not being there. For those who are with me…be fervent in prayer!
I am thankful for my hope and promises but can’t rest there as I want the people I love most to be with me.
Amen!
Great encouragement! I wonder how his letter was encouraging to the churches. How did they interpret the imagery? Interesting book but a revelation of an interesting god!
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Praise the Lord, He is amazing ❤️
I love how the God of all things is concerned if I’m too hot or thirsty! I’ve just never thought about how much he truly cares for his children! What a blessing!!! ❤️
Gods concern for our thirst is an indication for his love for us. WOW. Loves him more
Bunny, no. Someone posted an article about it earlier in the comments. Check it out!
Sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
In this apathetic world Lord,
help us live out You,
You are the only hope,
You are the only answer.
Holy Spirit guide us.
Is that all 144,000 that make it to heaven? I am confused.
Sometimes I struggle and think “Why couldn’t this book be put into terms where it’s easily interpreted, why is it so difficult?” But then I remember Isaiah 55:8- “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways” declares the Lord. The imagery used can be taken into different interpretations depending on the reader. Perhaps that’s the way God intended it to be. Each individual may hear what he or she needs to hear depending on his or her spiritual journey. Not to say we should just make it what we want to make it because it’s convenient, but I believe God can use His word to speak to each person differently depending on our spiritual need.
He comes to rescue his children. Love this
A comforting reminder for our believing hearts, but also a loud cry for our action and obedience in spreading His gospel love.
Revelation 7:9-12 creates such a wonderful visual, I can almost hear the music reaching a crescendo. What a wonderful future we have as the children of God. Amen
He Comes to rescue HIS children and bring them home. I can’t begin to tell you how many times (selfishly) I have asked God to take us home. Yet I know, in the back of my mind I know, there are many more to be saved.
We have been studying Revelation for several months on Wednesday nights at our church. There’s an excellent book written in 1919 by Clarence Larkin that has been so helpful to us. It’s called The Book of Revelation and is available online.
He will come to set all things right. That right there brings me joy and comfort today. Amidst all the turmoil all over the world there will be a day when there is no more war, no more jealousy, no more sadness no more anger …..,just pure joy peace and happiness
I am struggling a bit with this study. There is so much symbolism in the text that I dknt understand and is just being ignored.
Totally! I saw that N.T. Wright has a book about Revelation and goes chapter by chapter. I haven’t read any of his stuff but it seems to come highly recommended. Not that you want to buy another book, but could be helpful. I’ve been trying to trust the process a bit and ask the Lord to show me what He wants me to take from each passage. Trying not to get too lost in the imagery. But yes, I was hopeful that they would get in the weeds a bit with it and explain some of it.
I am feeling the same way. This is the first SRT study I’ve ever done and I don’t know what to think. I was hoping for depth into what all of this means.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” God, our Father, Abba, will wipe away our tears. I didn’t have an earthly father who showed tenderness to me–ever, but, I hold tightly to the fact that I have a heavenly Father who will wipe away every tear from my eyes. This time that we’re in, before Christ returns is so important to reach out to the lost so they too will experience the loving kindness of our Father. Lord, please let them see You through me today.
I have noticed some confusion around Revelation 7:1-8. Here is a commentary I found that I hope is of some help.
https://thebookofrevelationmadeclear.com/revelation-bible-study/sealing-the-144000.html
I agree with Churchmouse. I am thankful for what God’s coming judgment means for His children – a setting right of all things. But, it also makes me anxious and sad for those who don’t know Him. We have such a responsibility to be sure we are sharing the Gospel to as many people as possible.
Lord, I pray for a passion for those who are lost. Open my eyes to the opportunities. Give me a boldness. Make me desperate to share Your life-giving truth with others.
Kathy, yes. It does the same for me. For those, including my children, who don’t know him, it worries me. I pray daily for their salvation.
I also feel that we are responsible through the Holy Spirit to share Jesus with everyone we can. What they do with what we give them isn’t up to us, but at least we have tried.
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Amen, Sister
While I eagerly anticipate Christ’s return, setting all things right, I also desire for Him to tarry so that more might come to know Him.
I am right there with you Churchmouse.
Thank you Lord that there will come a day where there will be no more tears or sorrow or pain. But please tarry long enough for my family to come to know you.
Amen
Amen!
Verse 14 CLEARLY states that all of the following applies ” to the ones coming out of the great tribulation “. It does not apply to us. If it applied to us it would say so. It just talked previously in the chapter about various numbers. Are you of those tribes? Are you coming out of the great tribulation? So this is not about us.
Here’s an article that helps explain who the 144,000 are https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/who-are-the-144000-in-revelation/
I was thinking the same about those who come through the tribulation.
The 144,000 represent the entire community of the redeemed.
Reread verse 9, and I think it will make more sense. It does in fact apply to us.