KBM Revelation Chapter 16

Hello again and welcome to our 204th episode of Kids Bible Minute. I’m your host Landon Rowell and I’m also the local preacher for the church of Christ in Ramona, OK. I want to thank Bible Way Media, out of the Oologah cofC for giving me the opportunity to do this podcast and each of you for studying God’s Word with me. I enjoy our studies together and look forward to it each week. As always, I want to make certain you have “your” Bible with you so that when I mention a Bible verse you can read that verse for yourself and not just take my word for it. Now most of the time I will read that passage mentioned out loud so it’s best if you pause this podcast when the scripture is mentioned, turn to the verse and read it, then unpause the podcast and read along with me as I read out loud. If you are new to our study, first I want to say thank you for studying with us and secondly I want to let you know that you can reach all archived or past episodes easily at ramonacofc.com in the podcast section where there is a direct link to Kids Bible Minute past episodes. Now as you all know we are studying through the book of Revelation. Last week in chapter fifteen we remember the seven angels with the seven bowls with seven plagues of God’s wrath being sent out by God. As we turn our attention to chapter sixteen we see the sentencing and punishment has begun upon Rome. There is no more time to repent, though they wouldn’t have anyway. One of the things you might find striking is how many of these plagues are similar to those found in Egypt. The reason for this is simple, because this revelation has been taking its symbolism from O.T. events to portray the end of Rome. To demonstrate this let’s quickly notice the similarities between these plagues and those done to the Egyptians in the book of Exodus. First “sores” (Exodus 9:8-11); second & third “water to blood” (Exodus 7:19-25); fifth “darkness” (Exodus 10:21-23); Sixth “frogs” (Exodus 8:1-14); seventh “hail” (Exodus 9:22-26). As you can see if we remember where the symbolism comes from it makes it easier to understand in its current symbolism. In the same way nothing could stop the plagues against Egypt but God nothing could stop these things from happening to Rome. Rome would fall as symbolized in verse three “every living thing died.” This, again, is symbolism and not literally saying everyone died (Isaiah 13:10-17; Zephaniah 1:2-4). All of this, of course, is simply reporting on that which was already confirmed to the martyrs in Revelation 6:10. Remember God’s response to their cry of “how long will this persecution take place” in Revelation 6:12-17.

Revelation 6:15–17 ESV

15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

With that said after reading this chapter we find two important truths. First, those that receive God’s wrath bring it upon themselves.

John 12:48 ESV

48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

Secondly, God’s punishment’s always “fit the crime” and are often in a similar manner as the crime itself. Pharaoh tried to drown all the Hebrew boys and his army drowned. Haman planned on hanging Mordecai and built gallows but he was hung on them instead. Daniel’s enemies tried to have him eaten by lions but them and their families were instead. King Saul refused to obey God and slay the Amalekites and an Amalekite played a role in his death. Due to the great importance of the supposed “battle at Armageddon,” next week I’m going to spend our study time focusing on that specifically instead of trying cram it in here at the end of this. So next week we will look at this “great battle” brewing between God and Satan.

Well, that concludes this Bible study for today. As always, I want to thank you for studying God's precious Word with me and I want to encourage you to continue to study God's Word every day. Be sure to use the wonderful material and other podcasts made available through the BWM App or website at biblewaymedia.org. I also personally have a website at gospel-preacher.com. Of course, make sure you ask your parents if it is ok by them before you download the app or go to those websites. I also encourage you to contact me personally with question about the Bible at the Ramona church of Christ email address [e-mail] or through our Facebook Page. Make sure you message the Ramona church of Christ in OK not California. Until we have an opportunity to meet again, peace be with you in Christ Jesus our Lord.