S) "8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished."
Revelation 15:8 (NASB)
O) This is another pivotal point in the Revelation John received. How the book is received as a whole, can greatly change how this chapter is read. However, it is quite clear that God is omnipotent and sovereign. Whether this portion of Revelation has already happened (for example, if this portion might relate to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70), or if this is pertaining to the Final Judgment Day, the glory and power of God cannot be overcome. There is no one who can withstand Him when He intervenes.
A) Passages like this, that reveal the might of the LORD, are all about how I respond. If this is a portion of prophecy that has already been fulfilled (which I don't really think, considering the opening lines of this chapter), then obviously the seven plagues from the seven angels doesn't really concern me. However, if this is still a coming event, then there could be cause for alarm. The real question, is whether or not I am going to suffer those plagues. That really has me going back to the first few verses of this chapter, though. If I am found in Christ, when God looks at me, then I have no expectation of wrath. The punishment I had coming to me, because of my own sins, was already poured out with the blood of Jesus. So, whether or not these plagues are to be expected, doesn't really impact my life either way. So, the impact of this chapter is really all about my response to His glory and power, which is worship.
P) Father, Your power and glory are so holy. You are so far above anything I could experience. Open my eyes to see more clearly, the truth of Your might. Help me to better understand the immeasurable difference between my nature and Yours. You deserve all of my worship and service, just for the fact that You are Creator, and I am created. That alone, shows me the difference between us. Father God, help me to always balance this awareness of Your power and glory, with the comfort of Your mercy and love. Help me to fully trust Your will, even when I cannot fully understand or see what You are doing. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, today and in the future. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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