Today’s devotion comes from Revelation chapter 15.
“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.
2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. 3 And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
“Great and marvelous are Your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty;
Righteous and true are Your ways,
King of the nations!
4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy;
FOR ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU,
FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”
5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, 6 and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.” Revelation chapter 15.
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This scene in heaven of the seven angels who had seven plagues, through which the wrath of God would be finished, was “great and marvelous”. Verse 1.
We may at first pause and wonder how this scene of the preparation for the wrath of God could be “great and marvelous”. We may secretly think that the wrath of God is distasteful and repulsive even if we think it is necessary. But, then, we read the song of the Lamb and first generally understand that all of God’s works are “Great and marvelous” and then consider that the wrath of God is part of His works. Verse 3.
Then, we also specifically understand that the wrath of God is “Righteous and true”. Verse 3. We remember examples in Scripture where God goes to great lengths to explain how His wrath is justified by the wickedness of man who certainly deserve such punishments, particularly where He is calling for repentance. But here, the time for repentance may be over. The time for final performance of the wrath of God is at hand, and the “Righteous and true” conclusion in verse 3, without detailed explanation of how it is justified, is sufficient and appropriate. Furthermore, the wrath of God calls for demonstrations of worship, beauty, holiness, and glory in verses 5-8 and by us today.
“9 Worship the LORD in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.” Psalm 96:9-10.
“3 “For I proclaim the name of the LORD;
Ascribe greatness to our God!
4 “The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 3:3-4.
“… Every morning He brings His justice to light;
He does not fail.” Zephaniah 3:5.
“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
3 Fire goes before Him
And burns up His adversaries round about.” Psalm 97:1-3.
“31 Let the glory of the LORD endure forever;
Let the LORD be glad in His works;
32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
34 Let my meditation be pleasing to Him;
As for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.
35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth
And let the wicked be no more.
Bless the LORD, O my soul.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm 104:31-35.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 