“Let no one deceive you by
any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and
the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts
himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as
God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.”-2 Thessalonians
2:3-4
During this seven year period
known as the Great Tribulation the Anti-Christ will exercise tremendous control
over multiple arenas including the world’s economy (Rev. 13:16-17), religion
(Revelation 13:8), governments (Rev. 17:12-13), and military (Daniel 7:8). Once
he reveals his true nature, he will attempt to annihilate the people of God;
Jew and Gentile:
“And the beast was allowed
to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given
authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and
nation.”-Revelation 13:7
It is during this seven year
period that God will begin to execute judgment upon the earth. The judgments
will become increasingly more devastating midway through the tribulation
period. The remaining 3 1/2 years are referred to as the times of Jacob’s
trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).
The judgments consist of 7 seal
judgments which release conflict upon the earth, scarcity/famine, widespread
death, increased martyrdom and cosmic disturbances (Revelation 6:15-17).
Revelation 9:20-21 describe for us the trumpet judgments that are responsible
for the destruction of 1/3 of the vegetation, seas, fresh water, and the
heavens. All of these still yet to be followed by the bowl judgments that
conclude God’s wrath upon the earth with loathsome sores, the sea and fresh
water being turned to blood, men scorched by the sun, intense darkness/pain,
earthquakes and massive hailstones (Revelation 16:21).
However, despite the severity
of these judgments, Scripture tells us that the people of this world will
blaspheme God because of the these plagues; but refuse to repent and give God
glory.
Yet, in the midst of all these
things, God continues to extend His hand of mercy towards those who have
rejected Christ.
We see His mercy extended in
several ways throughout the book of Revelation. In Revelation 7:3-4 we see that
God seals 144,000 Jews (12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel). They are
a mighty witness of God’s faithfulness on the earth during the tribulation
period. We also read about two witnesses clothed in burlap who are given the
power to prophecy for 3 1/2 years. They will boldly proclaim the glory of God before
they are ultimately martyred and then raised from the dead for all to see.
However, if that isn’t enough, Revelation 14:12-13 declares that God in His
great mercy will send forth an angel to declare the gospel to all nations,
tribes, and peoples; so that all might hear the truth of God’s goodness:
“Then I saw another angel
flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those
who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.”-Revelation
14:6
Knowledge of these events can
be very overwhelming, however, they are not intended to instill fear, but
rather to incite faith. How do we respond to such treacherous times? By placing
our faith in Christ: “Here is the
patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the
faith of Jesus.”-Revelation 14:12.
Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church
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