S) "8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. 9 Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory."
Revelation 16:8-9 (NASB)
O) This is the fourth of seven plagues, which are drawing close to the end of The End. Reading the beginning of chapter 15, we see that those who were already victorious over the beast and his number, are apparently spared these seven plagues. Still, the purpose of these plagues, is that some might repent and return to God. It seems almost unthinkable that, after witnessing three previous plagues, poured out upon the earth by angels of God (not to mention everything else that's happened up until this point), there would still be people on earth unwilling to bend their rebellious necks to an obviously omnipotent God.
A) Their unwillingness to repent, and their blasphemy, is noted a few more times through these seven plagues. I chose to highlight this, though, because v.9 also says, specifically, that repentance gives glory to God. This is where these verses can really have an impact in my life, here and now. Obviously, my hope and prayer, and confidence, is that I will not see the seven plagues - even if I am alive for the events in Revelation - having my name written in the Lamb's Book (see Revelation 13:8-18), and with my own victory because of the blood of the Lamb and the power of my testimony (see Revelation 12:11). However, every sin I commit, becomes an opportunity for me to glorify God. This does not mean my sin is a good thing, but it means that the mistakes which should damn me, because of His grace and mercy, are redeemed into an opportunity to let the beauty of His Son shine forth. My repentance should be on display to someone. This is another reason why our confession and repentance should be to vocalized to a brother (or sister to sister). Accountability like that gives Him glory.
P) Father, over and over I am amazed at the perfection of Your plan for redemption. Every part of Your will in salvation, and the way You are calling me to live my life, is perfectly at work from start to finish - not at all because of me, but because of how You executed that plan, God. I am humbled every time I see the goodness of Your plan in a new light. I don't want to miss opportunities to glorify You in repentance. It is only because of the goodness of Your grace at work within me, that I am humbled and willing to repent for my sins. With this purpose in mind, give me the courage to confess my sins, and make my repentance known, if not publicly, to someone. Instead of seeing only my failure to uphold the righteousness You've given me, let me see my mistakes also as opportunities to put Your grace and mercy on display. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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