The Wrath of God
Revelation 15
The Wrath of God and the Call to Repentance: A Path to True Worship
In a world often marked by injustice and moral decay, it's easy to feel disheartened and wonder, "How long, O Lord?" This cry echoes through the ages, from the martyrs in Revelation to the psalmist in Psalm 13. It's a sentiment many of us can relate to as we witness the apparent triumph of wickedness and the suffering of the innocent.
Yet, amidst this tension, we are called to a profound truth: worship. Not just any worship, but a reorientation of our hearts and minds to the One who sits on the throne. This act of worship isn't merely about singing songs or attending church services. It's about constantly reminding ourselves of what is real and true in a world that often seems chaotic and unjust.
The book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of this reality. It speaks of a sea of glass, calm and tame before God's throne, symbolizing His complete control over all things. Even in the face of evil, which may seem unleashed, we are reminded that it is ultimately on a leash, unable to go beyond what God permits.
This understanding should prompt us to find everyday opportunities for worship. Whether it's feeling the wind and being reminded of the Holy Spirit's presence, hearing birds sing and recalling Jesus' words about God's care, or seeing reminders of Scripture in our homes, we must actively reorient our lives around the throne of God.
However, this call to worship comes with a sobering reminder of God's justice and wrath. The concept of God's wrath might make some uncomfortable, but it's an integral part of His character. It's not an irrational, vengeful anger, but rather a "burning zeal for the right coupled with a perfect hatred for everything that is evil." God's wrath is His holy response to the impurity and sin that mar His creation.
This brings us to a crucial point: the reality of sin and the need for repentance. We often find ourselves, like the Israelites of old, enslaved not to physical shackles, but to comfort, prosperity, and materialism. We violate God's law, not just breaking arbitrary rules, but damaging relationships - with God, others, and ourselves.
The commandments, particularly the one against coveting, reveal how deeply sin has penetrated our hearts. How often do we find ourselves dissatisfied with what we have, always wanting more, always looking at others' lives with envy? This attitude is a direct affront to God, essentially telling Him that what He has provided is not enough.
In light of this, God's judgments, as described in Revelation through the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls, are not arbitrary punishments. They are a natural reflex of His holiness confronting the wickedness in the world. Yet, even in judgment, God's desire is for repentance.
But what exactly is repentance? It's crucial to understand that repentance is not merely feeling sorry for getting caught, or experiencing shame or anger over our actions. True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and back to God. It's a Holy Spirit-empowered transformation that goes beyond surface-level regret.
Romans 2:4-5 reminds us that God's kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. However, our stubbornness and unrepentant hearts can store up wrath against ourselves. The call to repentance is not just about avoiding punishment; it's an invitation to realign ourselves with God's will and experience the fullness of His love and purpose for our lives.
So how do we cultivate this spirit of true repentance? The answer lies in becoming enamored with Jesus. We must constantly "re-gospel" ourselves, preaching to our own hearts the truths of Christ's death, resurrection, and enthronement. It's in these moments of reorientation that we begin to see reality clearly - that the King is on the throne, and one day He will right all wrongs.
This perspective shift doesn't happen automatically. It requires intentional effort to surround ourselves with reminders of God's kingdom. Whether it's through the media we consume, the conversations we have, or the environment we create in our homes, we must actively seek to represent the King and His kingdom in every aspect of our lives.
True repentance, then, is God-focused rather than self-focused. It's grounded in godly grief, hates sin, submits to discipline, produces fruit, accepts consequences, takes responsibility, and shows concern for others. It's a beautiful gift from God, an invitation to turn back to Him and allow Him to change our minds and hearts.
As we navigate the complexities of life in a fallen world, let us remember that our ultimate purpose is worship. Whether we're singing, building, creating, healing, working, feeding, or clothing, all can be acts of worship when done with hearts oriented towards God's throne.
In conclusion, we are called to live in the tension of acknowledging the brokenness of our world while firmly believing in the coming perfect and holy justice of God. This dual awareness should drive us to constant worship and repentance, always turning our eyes to the throne and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
May we be a people who, in the face of injustice and evil, respond not with despair or indifference, but with worship and a readiness to repent. For in doing so, we align ourselves with the ultimate reality - that the Lamb who was slain is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise, and He will have the final victory.