November 10th - Reflection

Revelation 16:1-7 (NRSV)
God's judgments are true and just
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."

So the first angel went and poured his bowl on the earth, and a foul and painful sore came on those who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped its image.

The second angel poured his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing in the sea died.

The third angel poured his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say,
"You are just, O Holy One, who are and were,
for you have judged these things;
because they shed the blood of saints and prophets,
you have given them blood to drink.
It is what they deserve!"

And I heard the altar respond,
"Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty,
your judgments are true and just!"

Reflection
A generation of people who have been inspired by the devil are sent plagues. I can't help but think back on the plagues of Egypt when the Pharaoh wouldn't let the Israelites go to worship God. But here the people are worshipping the devil and don't want to return to God. So God's punishment and judgment is dealt.

Here is the sad result of those who choose to run from God. Choose to run from the Savior. Choose to remain entrenched in sin. It doesn't need to be this way. But this is a result of choice that God has given all. Some will choose just for the sake of choice. Some will choose out of a stubborn heart. Some will fall prey to the empty promises of the devil.

How it saddens my heart to see these stray. If only I could do something! But something has been done. God gave his only son in Jesus to these very people to have eternal life. God gave all.

Rejoice in Jesus. Rejoice in the wonderful acts of the Father. Rejoice in the gifts and movement of the Holy Spirit. And pray for those deep in this choice. Reach out in love and understanding, but don't fall in the trap. It's all about God's salvation alone. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, may I hear and heed the warnings that you give. Lead me in the way you would want me to go so that I may never mislead another. You are the way and the only way to salvation. As we look forward to the unfolding of your kingdom make me a part of that joy and work day after day. --- Amen