How Long, O Lord?
Open Your Bible
Revelation 6:1-17, Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 13:1-6, Ephesians 1:11-14
BY Rebecca Faires
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.
43 thoughts on "How Long, O Lord?"
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No, the 144,000 are Jewish people bot Gentiles that God will use in the Tribulation Period.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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!
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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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❤️
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Praise the Lord, He is amazing ❤️
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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!!! ❤️
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Gods concern for our thirst is an indication for his love for us. WOW. Loves him more
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