Day 254/260: Read Revelation 16

What should be the Christian’s attitude toward divine discipline? “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12).

The Jews were given ample time to repent and return to God. There were some who accepted His gospel and were saved, but many more who refused to obey and perished.

God is righteous and just, and those who were punished received their due. Let us remember, however, that it is not our place to exact vengeance, but God’s (Romans 12:17-21).

After all of His longsuffering, still “men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.”

Let us learn from the stubbornness of those who perished—when we are confronted with truth, and that truth contradicts our life, we must repent and comply!

May we see discipline for what it is: a loving attempt to bring us closer to God, to make us more faithful and dependent upon His grace and mercy.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Revelation 14:13. Then I heard a ____________ from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the ____________ who die in the ____________ from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works ____________ them.”

Pray

Pray for God’s grace and mercy to continually cover your sins as you faithfully obey His gospel.