Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

When asked what they think God is like, few modern people would say He is wrathful. One Barna survey showed that 9 out of 10 (88%) American adults believe they are accepted by God. Many cannot conceive of a God that would display His wrath or execute vengeance on those who oppose Him.  

Yet Revelation 16 vividly depicts the seven bowls of the wrath of God being poured out on the world. In one of the most difficult chapters in the Bible, we see the astonishing and overwhelming force of the fury and wrath of God. Similar to the plagues in Egypt in the book of Exodus, God pours out His wrath on the earth (16:2), the sea (16:3), rivers (16:4), the sun (16:8–9), the realm of darkness (16:10–11), a Euphrates army (16:12–14), and concludes with lighting, thunder, earthquake, and hail (16:17–21). These plagues were so severe that the people cursed God in their pain and anguish (16:11, 21).  

What should we take away from this chapter and this gut-wrenching display of God's anger and vengeance? Three things stand out.  

First, the wrath of God is always fitting and appropriate. We may read this and immediately picture innocent bystanders who are unjustly suffering under God's uncontrollable fury. This is far from the case. We should note the order and arrangement of the angels. Each pours out their wrath in sequence, denoting control and measure on God's behalf. We should also see that these are the very ones who "shed the blood of saints and prophets" (16:6). They are the ones who refuse to repent and give God glory (16:9, 10) and, as stated, cursed God rather than cry out to Him. The angel says, "It is what they deserve" (16:6). There is no collateral damage here. Only those who deserve God's wrath come under these plagues.  

Second, God's wrath is smelling salts to the Church. Jesus breaks in and says, "Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed" (16:15)! This passage should sober us up and open our eyes to the reality of sin and rebellion against God.  

Third, God will have the final word. The seventh angel declares, "It is done!" (16:17). God will set all things right, defeat His enemies, and secure His people forever. We can be sure of this and fully set our hope on "the Holy One, who is and who was" (16:5).  

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God's Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today's passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Be Generous 2025

On Be Generous Sunday, November 30th, through Tuesday, December 2nd, 100% of all financial gifts will go toward funding three special projects to ignite ministry and lead more people to know, love, and follow Jesus! For more information, visit venturechurch.org/begenerous.