December 28, 2011 (Revelation 5-9)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood; idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk!” Revelation 9:20 NLT
Observation: Hail and fire mixed with blood thrown down to the earth sets one third of the earth on fire, burning one third of the trees and all of the green grass. A great mountain of fire is thrown into the sea turning one third of the sea into blood, killing one third of the living creatures in the sea and destroying one third of the ships on the sea. A great star named “Bitterness” fell from the sky into the rivers and springs making the water bitter and poisoned killing many people. One third of the sun, moon and stars were struck with darkness and one third of the day and one third of the night became dark. The bottomless pit was opened and out poured locust with power to sting like scorpions. They were sent to torture, not kill. People will long to die, but death will not have them. Then a great army is released to kill one third of the people left. Riding horses that had fire and smoke coming from their mouths and tails like snakes that injured people.
Application: But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood; idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! Wow! What more could I say? People’s hearts had become so hardened by sin that even great plagues and terror could not bring them to repentance. Temptation entertained today will lead to sin tomorrow, a habit the next day, and then death and separation from God forever in the end. To think you could never become this evil is the first step toward a hard heart. If we don’t acknowledge the need we have to confess our sins and repent today, we will not recognize our need for repentance then either. Repent while you still have the privilege!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your Son Jesus. Thank You for the Salvation that is offered through Him. Help us remember and acknowledge the need we have to confess and repent daily. Keep us from evil and protect us from harm. Do not allow my heart to be hardened, mold me day by day into the servant You desire, in Jesus name, Amen!