Scripture:
Revelation 15:1
Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
Observation:
This chapter describes two seemingly separate actions that are actually connected.
-Praise for God.
-God’s wrath being poured out.
Application:
In the majority of western Christianity there is no room for worship of a wrathful God. Unless God “behaves” in kindness and grace we don’t worship Him. However this passage stretches our understanding of the character of God. When a Holy God pours out wrath from heaven He is still worthy of worship. A few things.
-God is God. We worship Him for that, even if we don’t fully understand His actions.
-If I “worship” only when God behaves the way I want, I’m not worshipping Him. I am only showing my approval/disapproval of His actions. That is not worship. That is being a fair weather fan.
-I need to take a lesson from the angels. When they worship, I should worship. What they celebrate, I should celebrate. Whether it is opening scrolls or pouring out bowls, God is still worthy to be worshipped.
Prayer:
Father forgive me for choosing when I worship you. May I learn unconditional worship from the angels.