Scripture:
Revelation 11:17,18 – And they said, “We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from least to greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.”
Observation:
After the seventh angel blew his trumpet to announce the reign of Christ, the twenty-four elders’ response was to worship and give thanks to God. As the pray, they refer to God Almighty as the one who is and who always was because His reign has begun. The nations opposed God and aligned themselves with evil gloating over the death of His prophets. There will be a judgement where all who fear the name of God and are His servants will be rewarded. Those who have chosen to reject God will be punished for their destruction on earth and be separated from God for eternity. God is patient and wants all to repent and have a relationship with Him
Application:
John tells us what happens when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet. The clock has wound down to double zero for those who never placed their faith and trust in the Almighty God and they will be thusly punished. My response needs to be worship and praise for the one true God, who by his grace we are saved and able to be called His children. God’s judgement is real and is coming at a time that we do not know. This provides a sense of urgency to share the Gospel in love and help save the lost. We may not have as much time as we think and “eternity is too long to get it wrong.”
Prayer:
Father, Thank you for your love and grace in sending Jesus to the cross to pay for our sins so we can be redeemed and have a relationship with you. Let your Spirit guide me to have a sense of urgency to share your Gospel with those you are patiently waiting to know.