For the redeemed, however, the glory of Jesus shines from each plague. Jesus offers the ultimate security in contrast to the utter insecurity of the earth dwellers. Revelation 16 is an art gallery with seven divinely inspired portraits of Christ. Against the darkened screen of His wrath poured out upon sin are seven glowing pictures of Jesus:
Jesus has sanctifying power (Rev 16:1-2). He is the One who cleanses and keeps (Jude 23-24). Have you let Him sanctify and clean you from the inside out? I am not talking about just turning over a new leaf, making promises you canāt keep, but letting Him thoroughly change you from the inside out. That is Christianity.
Jesus has life-giving power (Rev 16:3). He is the One who gives abundant life (John 10:10).
Jesus has satisfying power (Rev 16:4-7). He is the One who promises that we will never thirst (John 7:37-39). Are you thirsting because of sin?
Jesus has liberating power (Rev 16:8-9). He is the One who sets us free (John 8:31-36).
Jesus has enlightening power (Rev 16:10-11). He is the One who gives us daily light and true spiritual sight (John 8:12; Acts 26:18).
Jesus has conquering power (Rev 16:12-16). He is the One who will always lead you into triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Jesus has securing power (Rev 16:17-21). He is the One who gives you your ultimate eternal security (Romans 8:31-39; Hebrews 7).
Are you worshiping Jesus for His sanctifying and life-giving power? Have you been set free from sin? Do you let Jesus give you daily light in His Word? Are you following Him? Have you received His security through faith? I hope that you can answer each of these probing questions with a resounding āYes!ā
My Prayer for You in Revelation 16: Dear Father, as we think about the last moments of human history, we are amazed to see repeated blasphemy and hardened hearts. It is blatant during the Tribulation, but more subdued in our present world. But those who have heard the good news of Jesus, and yet have rejected and hardened their hearts, are actually blaspheming You in the same way as these at the end of the Tribulation will do. We thank You that You so loved that You gave, and You gave so much that You emptied the very treasure of heavenāthe Lord Jesus Christ sent to earth for sinful mankind. May we not simply read the gory details of this chapter, but see the marvelous power and beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ. May the glory of what You are, and what You wish to accomplish in the lives of those who will respond to You, be very present in our hearts. Lord, we pray that we will see Your power and draw upon You by allowing Your Spirit to minister the power of Jesus in our lives. That is our heartās desire. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.