Revelation 16:12-16
Sixth Bowl – Assembled for Battle

The pouring out of the sixth bowl of God’s wrath assembles the kings of the earth for the battle of Armageddon against Israel.

Just as there have been many little-a antichrists down through the ages that foreshadow the end-times Antichrist, there have been many attempts to annihilate the Jews that foreshadow the battle of Armageddon. Pastor Dave presented a timeline with specific examples, from the brutal Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem and evil Haman’s plot to exterminate the Jews in the Old Testament, to Russian pogroms in the 19th century and the Holocaust during WWII, to the declaration of war by Arab states on Israel one day after its formation by the UN in 1949 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. The list now includes the surprise attack ten days ago by Hamas, an organization devoted to wiping out Israel. Pray that we, as Christians, will have theological clarity as we think about current events. This is not a conflict between moral equals; Hamas is being deceived by demonic spirits to do the bidding of the dragon, Satan.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and for protection and relief for innocent civilians on both sides of the war. Pray also for protection over Jews in our own community. When you heard about the global Day of Rage declared by Hamas last Friday and about the stepped-up police presence in American cities, did you worry about your personal safety? We could be part of collateral damage, but we are not the target. Hamas’ goal is to kill Jews, last Friday and today. If you google “Jewish synagogues Orange County CA” you will see a list of at least 20 congregations with names like B’nai Israel in Tustin, Temple Beth Emit in Anaheim, and University Synagogue in Irvine. Take time to pray for these Jewish fellowships by name.

Dave described the battle of Armageddon as the intersection of Satan’s attacks and God’s sovereignty. Like the prophet Habakkuk, we don’t understand how God uses evil people to accomplish His good purposes. But we don’t need to understand to trust. Praise God that, no matter how chaotic and frightening things look, He will be glorified and He will prove Himself holy.

The parenthetical words of Jesus in verse 15 of this week’s passage tell us how to respond to the sixth bowl of God’s wrath: Be ready. That doesn’t mean trying to figure out dates and times; Jesus says he will come unexpectedly, like a thief. It doesn’t mean working harder. Being ready means being awake, not oblivious, and being clothed, not exposed as sinful. Being ready means being fully submitted to Jesus in all areas of your life. Pray for conviction (if you dare) and for empowerment to make Jesus the Lord of your life, fully.

Calvary Family

The preparatory class for our upcoming baptism service is scheduled for next Sunday afternoon. Lift up those among us who are believers but who have not obeyed Jesus’ command to be baptized. Pray that fear of speaking before a camera or worry about embarrassment in front of a crowd will not deter anyone. Pray that eagerness to share what the Lord has done will far outweigh fear.

I confess … I am not faithful in praying for our Sunday School teachers and youth leaders. Are you? What they do is important and worthy of appreciation and support. Alongside parents (in most cases), they teach and model the ways of God for our children and teenagers. They help mold souls, work of eternal significance. Ask the Lord to encourage them when it feels like they’re not making a difference. Pray for strength and energy to keep showing up and pouring themselves out. Ask God to fill them with wisdom to explain the Scriptures and apply them consistently. Pray, and then encourage a teacher/leader by letting them know.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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