When People Won't Repent

Scripture: The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 9:20-21

Observation: As the judgment trumpets sound, people on earth are killed by plagues, the latest being a vast army of mounted warriors who kill with the deadly fire of their horses. However, across the earth, mankind is not moved to repent and honor God as a result of these plagues. As John watches, he sees that nothing changes for the survivors ... they continue to honor evil and worthless things, and to sin in whatever way they please. They will not return to God.

Application: I do not - cannot - understand the visions of Revelation ... their real or metaphorical meaning, nor their timing. However, I can see plagues upon the earth that wipe out large segments of mankind and harm all of us significantly, and I can see that many on earth won't repent and turn from their evil ways in the wake of these horrors. Whether it's a world war, regional famine, or natural disaster, people are more likely to take these things as evidence that a loving God must not exist instead of a sign that they should repent.

This tells me we are on the path to the end. I don't know about lion-headed locust or sulfur-breathing horses or bitter mountains that kill tons of fish or seven thunders that speak unknowable words, but I see people who ignore the Lord of this world. I will not be among them. I acknowledge that the Lord is mighty and wishes for the salvation of all, and I worship him. I see trials and troubles, and acknowledge the Lord in the midst of them as a loving savior wishing to awaken faith. I see hardship, and respond with prayer and thanksgiving.

Prayer: Lord, I am prepared to be a messenger to try to help others understand. I know most of our efforts will be futile, but they will not be in vain. We will reach some, and you will change their hearts. I ask that you continue to change my heart, making it ever softer and compliant. Amen.