The intensity of the
plagues becomes greater in the last three of the seven bowls. It’s amazing that
in the midst of it, we have, as it were, a parenthetical statement. Some have
thought that some copyists had added it. However, without a doubt this is put
in intentionally by John. He does so because of the tendency, even for us, to
become sleepy when inundated with materials concerning the plagues and terrible
scenes that are hard to make sense. It is possible to become spiritually
lethargic and turn off to what God is saying. So John included verse 15 to tell
them to stay awake. Like soldiers in battle each one of us must always stay
ready and alert, lest we may find ourselves not in battle attire and not ready
for the program ahead.
The last three bowls are
increasingly horrific. Its horribleness is seen in the ease people would give
allegiance to the system now under judgement. In the visions of the seals and trumpets,
between the first four and the last three there was an interlude for each. But
in this vision of the seven bowls, there is no gap between the first four and
the last three. Why? It is to indicate that there is no more opportunity for
repentance. There will be no time for any to respond now. The judgement will be
swift and complete as verse 17 declares, “It is done.” Those who fall under the
judgement are those who had already been given ample opportunity to repent but had
adamantly refused. They had made the choice to go down with the monster rather
than to suffer and stand vindicated with the Lamb. They had chosen the easy
path, highway of the harlot.
The fifth plague is a
direct assault on the throne of the monster. At this point Roman was that
monster. The point here is about striking at the power and authority of the
world and causing it to crumble under the weight of its own system. The
darkness is reminiscence of the plague in Egypt.
The sixth plague affects
the River Euphrates. The seabed dries up not as a way out for the people but to
enable the army from the east to carry out its intention. How did the rulers in
the west get sucked into this battle? Verses 13-14 give us the clue. The
dragon, the beast from the sea and the beast from the land, now also refers to
as the false prophet will deceive the kings of the earth. Again this plague
reminds us of the frogs that engulfed the land of Egypt. The frogs here are symbols
of unclean demonic forces that are sent forth by this unholy triumvirate to
lure the powers of the earth to commit and engage in a lost cause. What about Har-Magedon? Is this referring to
the Megiddo? It’s pointless for us to try and locate the exact place. The point
is simply this: that all the world forces will be brought to one place so that they
could be dealt with there.
As we close today’s
thought, let us stay focused on verses 15. The Lord tells us that He will come
like a thief at an unguarded hour. It behooves us, His beloved, to stay alert. We
must remain undefiled. We must avoid being involved with any diabolical movement
or program that seems to be more and more prevalent today. Let’s make a choice
to walk with God and be guided and directed by His Word. This will help us in our
quest for a triumphant life with the Lord.
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