Read Revelation 16:1–21
Like we hinted at yesterday, today we look more closely at the plagues of the bowls. We mentioned yesterday that these plagues are reminiscent of the plagues that were unleashed on Egypt (see Exodus 7–12). We see things like sores on people’s bodies, water turning to blood, and complete darkness. John wanted his readers to think about the plagues of Egypt when reading about these judgments. When we near the end of life as we know it, those in rebellion against God will face severe consequences, just like the Egyptians who rebelled against God in Exodus.
We should also note the different realms affected by these plagues. The first four realms are all earthly—or at
least impact the physical world as we know it—affecting the ground, water, and sun (16:2–9). The last three
plagues all affect the kingdom of the beast. We see the kingdom darken, demonic spirits assemble kings for
battle, and Babylon (the symbol for the culture of the world) is destroyed (16:10–21). Opinions differ on the timing of this event, but because the destruction here is thorough, it indicates that this will come at the end
of time as we know it. Because these realms are both physical and spiritual, we know that nothing will survive.
One other striking thing about this chapter is the number of times people are said to be blaspheming God (16:9, 11, 21). That is supposed to catch our attention. The level of suffering and destruction here should lead people to turn to the merciful God and seek refuge in Him. But they don’t. Instead, while they are scorched and crushed by hundred-pound hailstones, they continue to speak against God.
What should we learn from this chapter to apply to our lives right now? God, in His mercy, wants us to look to
Him in all circumstances. One day, everything we know will come to an end. If we are held by Him, He promises to carry us through, both now and in eternity. But if we do not enter into that relationship with Him, we will find ourselves in the same position as the people in this chapter—rather than eternal life with our Creator, we will be left with only eternal destruction.
