Revelation 15:1-8
Wrath and Worship
Pastor Dave began his sermon by observing that the unbelieving world calls God’s wrath harsh and unfair. Some unbelievers go further and accuse Him, and us as His people, of being sadistic. I just reread A Tale of Two Cities, a story set during the French Revolution, in which Charles Dickens vividly describes the appalling pleasure the revolutionaries took in exacting retribution on the “noble” class, the glee with which they reveled in the bloody destruction of their enemies. But God is not like that; He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11), nor do we. When we consider the wrath of God, as the book of Revelation forces us to do, we don’t respond with blood-chilling cheers, but rather with worship.

In this week’s passage, the readying of seven angels to pour out seven bowls filled with wrath elicits worship. God’s people who have conquered the beast praise Him, not for His deeds in general, but for His wrath, calling it great and amazing, just and true, holy, righteous. They are said to be singing the song of Moses, which points us back to Exodus 15. There we find a foretaste of God’s judgment on those who oppose Him: After the Israelites pass through the parted waters of the Red Sea, the Lord closes the path behind them and drowns the pursuing Egyptian army. It is well-worth reading and reflecting on the whole of Moses’ worship song (Exodus 15:1-18) and then responding with your own prayer of praise.

Are we ready to stand up for God when someone calls Him harsh and unfair, or worse? Are we prepared to sketch the big picture that puts His judgement and wrath in context? Near the end of his sermon, Dave summarized it this way: Ever since the first human beings sinned, God has endured the sin and mocking of man. Yet He graciously offered a way of escape from the consequences of sin; He sent His own Son to suffer the wrath we deserve and cannot survive. God has sent prophets and apostles with the message of salvation to the whole world, but many refuse the offer. Revelation describes how God will warn people again and again, even in the eleventh hour. But there will come a time when He says, “Enough!” Ask the Lord to teach you how to effectively explain the main points of the whole story to someone who doesn’t know. Then find a family member, a friend, or your small group and practice.

Calvary Family
Fall FunFest is only three and half weeks away, and volunteers are still needed. This event is an important outreach to our neighborhood, especially to unchurched folks who are leery of entering a church. It is also an outreach to foster families in our community because they have been invited to attend FunFest as our guests. Be praying about how the Lord wants you to serve as His ambassador, His hands and feet, at FunFest this year. You can find more information and sign up here.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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