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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43 thoughts on "How Long, O Lord?"
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.
❤️
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.