November 21, 2014
THE BOWL OF DOOM
Revelation 16:17–21
Luke Friesen
Central Truth
A person's own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. (Proverbs 19:3, NIV)
Key Verse | Revelation 16:21
[A]nd they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe. (Revelation 16:21b)
Revelation 16:17–21
The Seventh Bowl
17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, 1 16:18 Or voices, or sounds peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds 2 16:21 Greek a talent in weight each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.
Dive Deeper | Revelation 16:17–21
One of my favorite restaurants in Dallas serves a dish called the "Bowl of Doom," a tasty concoction of sweet potatoes, eggs, avocado, and lots of meat. It's a serious meal that might cause you to rethink plans of eating anything else that day.
With this seventh and final bowl judgment, God unleashes the true "bowl of doom" of His wrath. The biggest earthquake ever seen wreaks unimaginable havoc, and hundred-pound hailstones no doubt crush people like bugs. Graphic, yes, but that's how serious God's righteous anger against sin is!
Unfortunately, people don't respond like they should to this plague -- by rethinking their rebellion and turning to God in repentance. Instead, they keep cursing Him.
I'm convicted by this and by Proverbs 19:3, which places the blame for judgment and ruin squarely where it belongs -- my own foolishness! I recall a time in my early 20s, when I was inwardly rebellious while appearing to be externally good. I was experiencing God's judgment, mostly in isolation, apathy, and unchecked sin, but I blamed God: "Why are You holding out on me?"
I wasn't able to see the error of my ways, that the path I was on, which felt right, was leading me to death (Proverbs 14:12). Thankfully, God's judgment and conviction got my attention, and I confessed my rebellion, shared openly with others, and turned away from it.
That wasn't just a one-time thing, though. I'm still foolish at times! When I rebel against our loving God, I have to confess my sin and turn from it. This happens more than I'd like to admit.
Thankfully for those who trust in Christ, even though we're rebels (Isaiah 53:6), through Christ's sacrifice we receive God's righteousness, instead of His wrath (2 Corinthians 5:21). Look at Revelation 16:17 (NLT), where after the final bowl is poured, a voice shouts, "It is finished!" Does that remind you of another biblical account? (Hint: Look at John 19:30.) Praise God for the finished work of Christ, which means that we as believers don't have to experience these mega-judgments!
Discussion Questions
1. Are you blaming God for any tough circumstances or judgment you may be experiencing, or can you see that they might be a result of your own foolishness?
2. How do you respond to God's judgment or discipline in your life -- with repentance or with rebellion?
3. Have you trusted fully in the finished work of Christ on the cross and confessed your rebellion to God and others? If not, what's keeping you from making that decision?
4. What's something you need to confess and turn away from now?