Chapter 16:
In this chapter, the Greek word “megas” appears 16 times, more than anywhere else in the new testament, because them emphasis is on greatness. God sorta’ gets on His megaphone and gives the command. It’s time for the “third woe” (11:14).
First Bowl: Recalls the 6th plague under Moses – “ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark…” This will be a universal & agonizing pain that won’t go away.
Second Bowl: “sea…….turned into blood …..and every living thing in the sea died.” Unlike the 3rd trumpet which only affected some water (8:10), this one is universal.
Third Bowl: Ok, now the fresh waters are turned to blood, killing all life in them. The first Egyptian plague affected the Nile, here all rivers are affected and people will not be able to tap into the water table like the Egyptians did (Ex 7:24). Then there’s a pause for an angel to sing and somehow the altar agrees – coolz!
Fourth Bowl: Intense heat from the sun scorches people. Yet even among this intense agony, there is no repentance, but instead “they cursed the name of God…..refused to repent and glorify Him.”
Fifth Bowl: Here, Satan’s entire human system is thrown into disarray & chaos. There is world-wide darkness. People are in such agony that they chew on themselves trying to alleviate the pain. What is sadly more amazing is that wicked men & women will still not repent even when face with such catastrophic conditions!
Sixth Bowl: This is parallel to the 6th trumpet. Like the 5th seal, it doesn’t bring immediate pain but prepares for the future – assembling of armies to fight God – a hopeless cause! “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” The three evil spirits I believe represent the combined forces of evil in the world.
Seventh Bowl: With the pouring out of this bowl, God’s end time wrath is completed. “It is done” matches Jesus’ words on the cross. This bowl results in the opening of Heaven and the Son of Man coming forth for the final great (“megas”) battle. This earthquake is off the Richter scale! And the destruction somehow even causes islands to flee, mountains to be found nowhere around and 100lb hailstones are tossed at people – mega ouch! The result? “They cursed God.”
SO WHAT?!
*What physical pain & suffering are you going through right now? As painful as it may be (and I’m not down sizing your pain) it will NEVER COMPARE to the physical pain and agony people will face who do not put their trust & faith in Jesus Christ! TODAY is the day for you to believe if you have not yet done so! Hebrews 3:7-12
*This passage ought to bring an urgency to see our family, our friends and our neighbors Know Jesus & Make Him Known! Lord, help us to lovingly and graciously bring you up with someone today who needs you and please cause them to believe! Acts 16:31
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