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“And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.” Revelation 16:5-6

Studying the book of Revelation is a wild ride. It’s mysterious—yet contains mysteries revealed. From his visions, John recounts dire warnings—and exhilarating promises. There is utter despair and confident hope, frightening wrath and magnificent glory. In fact, the opening of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Tale of Two Cities, captures the vibe of Revelation very succinctly (and, in fact, Mr. Dickens was likely himself inspired by Apostle John’s writing):

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

I’m diving deep into Revelation with a couple of sweet sisters as we follow a study guide. Each week brings mind-blowing I-never-saw-that-before ah-ha moments…and simultaneously makes me question concepts I had thought my mind firmly grasped. In fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is living and active, sharp and piercing (4:12), but it’s also like an everlasting onion—we can continually peel away and keep unearthing more and more truthful treasures.

All that to say this: In Revelation 16:6, in the midst of the final set of 7 judgments on the earth, I saw this little sentence: They deserve it. Yes, indeed, I thought. They do deserve it! They’ve rejected the Lord through ever-increasing judgments and plagues—He keeps giving them chances to repent, but they blaspheme Him and continue doing life their way. He’s been so patient…yet they reject Him time and time and time again. As I’m reading, I know that God’s full wrath is about to be poured out…and, yes, they deserve it.

(Loud gulping sound here.) So. Do. I.

For 30 years of my life, I rejected the Lord and continued to do life my way. Running after things and people to satisfy a hole in my soul that only God could fill up. Blaspheming God through my life choices. I deserved His judgment and wrath! Yet in His patience, He didn’t pour it out—He gave me more chances until I finally surrendered. At that moment, I didn’t suddenly not deserve His wrath. In fact, because of His perfect holiness, even a single lie or stolen candy bar deserves eternal punishment. (I know, I know…but that is just. And He is Just.)

What changed at that time? I realized that the wrath I deserved (and still deserve) was taken by Jesus when He died on the cross. The penalty was paid for me. He took my punishment and gave me His righteousness, so that I can stand acceptable before God in perfect, eternal relationship with Him and with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Mercy for wrath.

So, with that little mirror-gazing exercise, my attitude definitely shifted when covering all the wrath-filled verses in Revelation. Instead of cheering on those angels hurling fire, boils, and 100-pound hailstones, celebrating the demise of “those people who deserve it”…instead, my heart now cries out, “Why are you being so hardheaded! Repent! Surrender to God! He’s given you so many chances, and your time is almost up!”

I ask you now, beloved, what about you? Time is short, and wrath is coming. Please trade yours for the beautiful cup of mercy extended by Jesus.

“Lord, thank You for your longsuffering, that You wait for us hardheaded people to recognize our need for You and the free gift of grace You offer through Jesus. May someone reading this make the beautiful exchange right now.”
For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life