Revelation 16

The Explanation

John heard a loud voice. It came from a big temple, far away. The voice called out: "Go! Pour out the bowls!" Seven angels stood ready, each with a bowl in his hands. The first angel poured his bowl on the earth. Sore, painful spots came on people's skin. The second angel poured his bowl into the sea. The water turned red, like blood. Every fish died. The third angel poured his bowl into the rivers. They turned red too. The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun. It burned so hot, people got scorched. The fifth angel poured his bowl on a dark throne. Everything went darker still. People hurt so much, they bit their own tongues. The sixth angel poured his bowl on a big river. The water dried up, all the way down. Kings came marching over the dry ground, ready for a great battle. The seventh angel poured his bowl into the air. A loud voice shouted: "It is done!" Thunder rolled. Lightning flashed. The ground shook, harder than it had ever shaken. Big hailstones fell from the sky, heavy as rocks.

What Does This Mean?

That sounds frightening, doesn't it? It is. Something was very wrong down there. People had hurt others who loved God. But even with sore skin, even with burning heat, nobody said sorry. Not one time. God saw all of it. Every drop of blood, every tear. God is right to be angry about hurting.

The Common Thread

Right in the middle of all that thunder, someone speaks softly. Listen close: "Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes." That is Jesus talking. Even while the world shakes, Jesus is coming. He does not shout like the thunder. He whispers: stay ready, watch for me. Jesus is not lost in all that noise. He is walking close, right through the middle of it.

For You

Jesus asks you a question: are you watching for me? You do not need to be afraid of loud thunder, or dark rooms, or big storms outside your window. You can look up, just like watching at the window for someone you love to come home. Jesus is coming. That is a good thing to wait for.

Talk About It

Praying Together

Dear Jesus, Thunder is loud. The world can feel scary. But You are coming. Help me watch for You, like watching for someone I love. Amen.