The 15th chapter of Revelation was a chapter of ominous proportions. The latter parts of that chapter described the boiling energy emanating from the temple of God. The smoke and glory of his power was so strong that no one could enter. It is as though God was saying don’t watch me, but watch my response. The temper of God was about to be fully expressed and the temple of his presence was roiling with his intentions.
The rebellion of man is a thing long decried by God through his prophets, the scriptures and the consciences of men. The era of rebellion will not be forever. Chapter 16 unpacks God’s wrath on the people and places of the earth–the places where rebellion has been the theme of man.
The temple voice is God’s voice
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” (Revelation 16:1–ESV)
From the glory and power, the smoke and rumbling of the temple came the voice of God. It required a loud voice to rise above the temple tempest, but the voice was just part and parcel of his majesty. The smoke, the glory, the trembling were all part of the God’s majesty and power.
Energy on display is one thing, but energy does not tell of intentions. Words, however, do. Jesus Christ was called the word, logos. Jesus was the embodiment of the intentions of God conveying desires to mankind. In Revelation 16:1 God speaks putting intention to the storm on display in the temple.
Sin of man has been completed and the bowls of God’s response are filled and delivered. God’s displeasure having risen to its peak is spoken to his ministers and these 7 angels are told to deliver God’s response. The verdict was long in, the appeals were finished, and the executioner was sent to do his deeds. [Read more…] about Revelation 16:1-9–Four bowls of badness (3 more later)