Chapter 16

        Well, if the first isn't bad enough- but to have six more bowls?  Yikes!     And, why does this wrath continue to pour out on the people? Verse 9 says: "...they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues.  They did not repent and give Him glory."  Verse 11 says, "And cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores.  They did not repent of their deeds."

        This saddens me- really.  People don't realize that repentance is not a thing God wants you to do because He is haughty.  He wants you to repent so that you are in full communion with Him- receiving His blessings and grace!  The best thing for us, is to be united with God, through faith in Jesus.  And by that faith, and through His grace, we are saved.  Being saved, you know, has a lot of perks!  Besides the fact that I have an amazing God who shows kindness and favor toward me; I have eternal life in heaven with Him, I don't have to carry life's burdens by myself and by aligning myself with Him, I can receive God's best for me!  Now if you think that means without pain, struggle or heartache, you are wrong.  But in the midst of those things, God carries you through and you see His provision through it all.  Someone who truly loves Jesus, can have peace, even in the midst of the worst possible earthly experiences.  

        The character of the people talked about in this chapter, I believe, would have similiar character of those today who curse God for the pain, struggle or heartache they are enduring.  Rather than accepting their need for a Savior and allowing Jesus to fill them with His joy and allowing Him to carry the weight of the pain, struggle or heartache, they do it on their own, and curse God for allowing it.  God gave us His word- the Bible, to show us who He is and to teach us what following Him should look like.  God made it so simple, yet there are some that make it so hard!  The main teaching in staying in unity with God once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord, is repentance.  Having a right position with God, allows us to experience His ultimate goodness and favor in our lives.  For those that reject Jesus as their Savior, or as this chapter illustrates- curse God and do not repent, God's wrath will be poured out.  You will not only receive one bowl of wrath- but seven.  God's judgment will be completed.  Today's the day- turn your curses into praises.  (RECEIVING CHRIST)

On Revelation Chapter 16

• Leanne