August 4, 2021
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” Revelation 16:17
John’s prophetic vision of the seven last plagues provides for us spiritual lessons that will serve to help each of us prepare for this time of trouble which lies ahead, for it is in being spiritually prepared that we will still be standing when the announcement comes: “It is done!”
Jesus is leading each of us now to a greater faith than we have known; one that can endure trial and hardship and suffering with patience. Every tool of deception that Satan can muster will be used for the purpose of shattering our faith—and our faithfulness to Him who is true and holy and righteous. We need the same kind of faith that Jesus had as He endured the scorning, rejection, mockery, torture and murder by sinful man. Notice in 14:12 His people are described as having the faith of Jesus.
As the King of kings and Lord of lords streams through the corridors of the cosmos, making His way to earth for the rescue of His bride, we read of a myriad of noises, thunderings, lightnings, an earthquake like no other, islands and mountains vanishing, great hailstones falling . . . . all of this as the satanic triumvirate is being broken up.
What does all of this mean for God’s people? It will mean the end of sin and sickness and suffering; disease and disaster and death; pollution and poverty, confusion and chaos --- all will come to their predicted end at the arrival of the Savior.
The sight of His glory will mean the destruction of the wicked. The righteous dead are awakened and given immortal bodies. The living faithful are transformed and given their immortal bodies. Together, they will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Those who have faced the mark of the beast crisis and the seven last plagues, because of their complete trust in the Lord, their total dependence on His grace, mercy, and power—will not have yielded to the showy displays and signs performed, which will go out to the whole world (16:14) to deceive them. Those faithful ones will have honored the command of Jesus to feed My lambs (John 21:15), spreading the Good News of the coming of Jesus, teaching them how to be prepared.
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Matthew 24:45-46