November 14: THE GREATEST NEED
Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. Revelation 16:4
The fresh water supply, so often taken for granted, comes into view. Now that which was taken for granted and given very little thought rises to the forefront as the greatest need. Let us devote serious thought to the meaning of water and blood in light of the need that is far greater than any physical one: our need for salvation from sin.
“but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14
Christ . . . loved the church and gave Himself for her that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27
“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28
Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood… Revelation 1:5
One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34
Jesus died that we might live! The blood and water are affirmations of His death, paying the penalty Himself for His broken law. To disregard what these elements signify is to trample the Son of God underfoot (Hebrews 10:29).
The third trumpet plague fell upon rivers and springs of water (Revelation 8:10) which are likened to spiritual refreshment and nourishment. The work of the lead fallen angel and the angels who followed him, has been to enter the church for the purpose of contaminating the message of salvation, setting in motion a downhill slide away from the Lord’s word. And many men died from the water (v.11). The tragedy for those who accept the beast’s mark after being enlightened lies in their preference for exalting man’s ideas (inspired by Satan) that contradict the divine inspiration of God’s word. To slight even one of His commandments inevitably leaves a wake of negative influence. To slight even one of His commandments leaves a void that the enemy stands ready to fill with contamination. God cannot allow it to continue.
The LORD said, “Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice, nor walked according to it, but they have walked according to the dictates of their own hearts…” (Jeremiah 9:13-14)