It Is Done!

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Scripture

Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.”
(Revelation 16:17 NASB)
And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty.
(Revelation 16:18 NASB)

 

Observation


Here the final plague is poured out on humanity but this time it's not just on the earth, but it is diffused throughout the air as well. It is all consuming and all of heave and all of earth are able to witness what will occur. The result is that God's complete and total power are revealed to all of humanity -- those who have died and those who are alive. All can see what he is doing and it becomes the climax of all time -- with the result that it is all done. The plagues are over. This is it. God wins!

 

Application


It's done and God wins! This sounds something like a news headline after an amazing football game, however, it's not a game. We are all living our lives here on this earth and there is a constant and continuous battle which is on-going, but we know the end of that battle. Jesus has already come and won the victory of life over sin and death and his kingdom is spreading. The question for us is whether we are going to participate in his kingdom or not? But since we know which side will win in the long-run, why do we even consider being on the wrong side? And yet, that's where many of us find ourselves, fighting the battle and hanging out on the losing side.

The love of God reaches out through all of time and invites us to participate in his kingdom. There are times in life when it seems like it's hard to participate in his kingdom. I get tired and worn out. Sometimes the other side looks enticing and tries to make it all seem so easy and yet I am comforted by the fact that God says it's already done! We know that ultimately the battle is over and so I want to rest in the arms of the one who has won the victory and will carry me through to the very end. I don't want to be enticed by momentary pleasure, but want to stick in there with God for the long haul. I want to know Christ -- I want to follow him -- I want to be his servant and the power of God, the power which is able to move mountains, create lightening and thunder, and shake the earth, is able to keep me as his until that moment when we hear, "It Is done!"

 

Prayer


Lord, thank you for your staying power in our lives. Help us to love you with all that we have. Amen.

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