The Beautiful Wrath of God
The Beautiful Wrath of God
Judgment is not something we normally long for. But if we are suffering unjustly in an evil social system, God’s judgment—far from being a dreaded prospect—is our only hope. Like a wood plane that is used against the grain rather than with it, so wrath is how people opposing the rule of God will experience his grace.
GROUP DISCUSSION. As you approach the subject of God’s wrath, what thoughts and feelings do you have?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Consider what life and the universe would be like if there were no consequences to resisting God’s purpose. Pray to God for a deeper grasp of the wrath of God.
In Revelation 6–18 there is a complicated and rather confusing pattern of disaster and suffering. If we seek to unravel these pictures as a timetable for the future, we will be disappointed and perplexed. But if we want to learn how to live in the present and find hope for the future, there is much here to encourage us. These chapters inspire trust in a God who is faithful and just. Read Revelation 6.
1. Summarize the events during the first four seals (vv. 1–8).
2. What would it be like to see each of the four horses and riders?
3. What happens when the fifth and sixth seals are opened (vv. 9–17)?
4. Which of the seven seals seem to be “normal” hard times, and which suggest something more final (compare vv. 1–8 with vv. 12–14)?
5. What is your own response to the proposal that there are more martyrdoms to come (v. 11)?
6. How do you respond to the principle that all this is happening at the permission of God (“come” v. 1 and “was given” vv. 4, 8, 11)?
7. How does the experience of the saints (vv. 9–11) contrast with that of the unbelievers (vv. 15–17) as they anticipate the impending wrath of God?
What evidence if any do you see of this contrast among people today?
8. The “wrath of the Lamb” is a deliberate paradox. What evidence is there that these terrible events are an outworking of the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus the Messiah?
9. When in your life have you cried, “who can stand” (v. 17)?
10. What comforts you when you imagine facing the Lord’s judgment?
Ask God to make you ready to face hard times that may come your way with faith and confidence.
Now or Later
The sixth seal (the great earthquake) is a collation of several Old Testament passages about the coming Day of the Lord—a day of final judgment and complete salvation. Look up some of these references: “the sun turned black like sackcloth” (6:12), and “the whole moon turned blood red” (6:12)—Joel 2:28–32; “the sky receded like a scroll” (6:14)—Isaiah 34:2–4; “the kings of the earth, … the rich, the mighty” (6:15)—Isaiah 24:21; “fall on us and hide us” (6:16)—Hosea 10:1–8; “who can stand?” (6:17)—Malachi 3:1–5.
This rich symbolic language is intended to convey both the cosmic scope of God’s final judgment and the hope implicit in it. Write down some journal notes of your own reactions and prayers concerning this.