My Warning System

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Revelation 16:17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, [3] peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.

This vision reminds me of when Jesus was crucified and He said, "It is finished." John gives a gripping account of when Jesus returns again and this time, it isn't through a manger that our King comes, but in power and glory. Jesus referred to His crucifixion as a cup that He must drink. Here we see that God's judgment is poured out by the bowl-full. When the end happens, there will be no grace.

With all the tropical storms that we have been having lately, I am somewhat compelled to write on this scripture. Right now, when there is thunder and lightning, it is a bit freighting, but on the whole, I feel safe. I don't feel like my life is in danger. Most people are so used to earthquakes, lightning, thunder, and hail that it is more of a nuisance to them if anything. However, I need to remember that when Jesus does return, these are all things that will truly be used as instruments of God's justice. Natural disasters are no small matter. It is in those times that we should remember the fear of God and repent. To deadened my heart to this fear of the Lord is to shut off my spiritual warning system. It all starts with little compromises here and there. It springs from pride and then grows out of control. Why pride? Because if I start to think that I am better than dust, than I start to think that I can reason with God. My pride can start as something as small as, "It'll never happen to me" and then bloom into, "God won't punish me for my sin." It's a dangerous path to dance along. To even flirt with the idea of sinning and then repenting is really an insult and mockery of God's divine grace. Grace is a gift. Also, it needs to be taken seriously. God's amazing grace should teach my heart to fear, not lead me to take liberties and stretch my boundaries.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, Your truth, and Your grace. Lord, instill in me a healthy warning system so that I am never far from repentance. Jesus, thank You for drinking from the cup so that I would not have the bowl of judgment poured out upon me. I repent right now, Lord, of my selfishness and laziness. I know that I have been lacking in my discipline. Please bring me back to Your will and Your way. I love You, Lord. In Jesus Christ's powerful and glorious name I pray, Amen.