Revelation 16: Who's to Blame?
WHEN SOMETHING GOES wrong, who do we blame? Often, God's name is among the first to come up. When we are inclined to blame God, we must ask ourselves what it is we expect out of life. Do we feel that we have an innate right to health, wealth and happiness? In understanding God's working in the world it's important that we learn to see beyond our private world to God's vast creation.
Warming Up to God
Be honest with yourself about your feelings toward God. When are you inclined to place blame on God for events in your life?
Read Revelation 16. »
Discovering the Word
- Note the similarity between these plagues and those brought on Egypt (blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, firstborn). What might be meant by this comparison?
- How could the same events lead to worship on the part of some (vv. 5-7) and cursing on the part of others (vv. 9, 21)?
- How can we see this happening in our culture?
- What is the result of the plagues (vv. 19-21)?
Applying the Word
- When has God's judgment been a source of praise for you?
- When has God's judgment caused you to curse or blame God?
Responding in Prayer
Talk honestly with God about any feelings of blame and responsibility that have been revealed to you during this study.
For Further Study
The Meaning of the Millenium: Four Views Edited by Robert G. Clouse