Supreme human folly

The rest of the human race, all those who had not been killed by these plagues, did not turn away from what they themselves had made. They did not stop worshipping demons, nor the idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic, their sexual immorality, or their stealing.   (verses 20, 21)

Read Revelation 9:1-21

We can easily get lured into thinking that the modern world is educated, enlightened and sophisticated, and that it is only a matter of time before we can evolve into a near-perfect society, a kind of heaven on earth. John’s vision gives us no reason for believing in such an evolution towards perfection. The vision shows that even when people see the punishment and destruction of the wicked, they themselves don’t change. They have set themselves against God, to defy the Lord Jesus and reject the way of salvation that he has provided for all. In their defiance they will keep on with their evil ways until the end.

It is by God’s grace that we have been saved, rescued from the foolish ways of the rebellious world. To us it is a mystery, a glorious mystery, why the Holy Spirit has rescued us, called us by the gospel, enlightened us through God’s word and given us the gift of faith. We cannot come to faith except by the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit has taken away our blindness, rooted out our stubbornness and rebellion and incorporated us into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To him we can only give our profound gratefulness and try to serve him all the days of our lives.

We believe in the inevitable destruction of the wicked, because that is what God’s word predicts, but while there is still time we will want to work for the salvation of others, before the great and terrible day of the Lord breaks upon them. Will you join me in praying for them?

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on all those who are turning their back on you, and through the power of your Holy Spirit awaken faith in them. Use me, Lord, in whatever way you choose to spread your holy word. Amen.

by Kevin Schmidt, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)

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