The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts. Revelation 9:20-21
Today, due to the Coronavirus, the vast majority of the world is living in a quasi-free, quasi-police state or “lockdown”, with stay at home orders. Sadly, the world health organization is reporting that doctors in the US have reported 67,939 people have died as a result of the virus. We all probably know someone who died or someone related to someone who has died. I do. Its a time to return to God, repent of our pride, selfishness and idolatry. He, then is willing to heal our land and pour out His blessings with Divine protection. But, will we? Some will and we see the church growing. Yet, many will stiffen their necks against God and not do so. That is so fascinating to me.
I have been reading through the last book of the Bible (Revelation) in my morning time of devotion. Today I read about John’s vision that included the blowing of trumpets as part of God’s wrath and judgment on the earth. The fifth, sixth and seventh trumpets are preceded with great “woes” or warnings, and rightfully so. John sees nearly 1/3 of all mankind die by plagues. Can you imagine? What grief and sadness will accompany those days. It will be so bad, many will just want to give up on life. I get that. But, what is most significant is what John observers “they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts”. Many people would rather suffer in anger clinging to idols and evil than to turn in faith to a God they’ve rejected and repent. At this point in history, it appears to be too late. If only they would have earlier, they would have found Him to be a righteous, loving, heavenly Father willing to accept them into His kingdom and a future world that can only be described as paradise. America repent. People everywhere, repent. Its still not too late.
How concerned am I for the spiritual state of people in our world today? Personally, am I clinging to any idols, illicit drug use, immorality or possession not rightfully mine?
God, as this day begins- I desire to be completely right with you. I want my life to be a continual repentance from worldly attractions, fleshly lusts, or wrongdoing of any kind. Not so I escape coming plagues, but because I want to hear your voice, participate in Your kingdom of love, and feel the security of knowing my heavenly Father’s eye is upon me.
