Revelation 9
November 3, 2022
“The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (v20-21)
Despite the judgment upon sin described throughout these two chapters (Rev 8-9), most of those who survive still refuse to repent. This is a picture of the depth of rebellion in the human heart. For some (as we’ll see in Rev 11), the pain of judgment softens hearts to see their sin and need for a Savior. But for others (as we see here), judgment only serves to harden hearts against God, and embolden them to sin even more.
Father, I praise You for being a righteous God, who does not allow evil to run rampant and unchecked forever. You are patient, seeking repentance so that You can forgive and restore. But there is a day of reckoning coming for those who refuse to turn from their rebellion. Help me to keep both Your patience and Your justice in mind as I watch those in this world living in opposition to Your righteous rule - so that I pray for their repentance, but with confidence that evil won’t win the day if they refuse to turn to You.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
