This chapter describes the Great Tribulation and God’s judgement upon the earth and its inhabitants.
“Desolation is left in the city; the gates are battered into ruins… as when an olive tree is beaten, as at the gleaning when the grape harvest is done. They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the Lord they shout from the west. Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; in the coastlands of the sea, give glory to the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. From the ends of the earth we hear songs of praise, of glory to the Righteous One.” (v12-16 abr)
Prophesy of the future is often poetic and full of metaphor, so some details of the Great Tribulation (period of judgement immediately preceding Jesus’ second coming) are going to be fuzzy. That being said, two things are definitely clear: God is going to have a final judgement on sin, and though some will come to salvation during this time, not all will. Those who choose not to follow God, will be judged, leaving entire cities empty and desolate.
Since the timing of the final judgement and Jesus’ return are only known to God, I think we need to be spiritually prepared each and every day of our lives. We do not know the hour, minute, or even the year of Jesus’ return, so we cannot waste time and put things off indefinitely.
I strongly encourage us to seek God’s leading in our lives every day – that’s the only way to ensure we’ve done everything we can to prepare for the day of judgement. Let’s share the gospel when God prompts, disciple, and ensure our own hearts are right with God before we go to sleep each night. By obeying God as best we can each and every day, we will never be caught spiritually unprepared.
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Ultimate King, we praise our holy and righteous name. We understand that You cannot allow sin to exist for eternity, and that You will ultimately destroy it one day. Please help us to be prepared, allowing Your Spirit to cleanse our hearts from unrighteousness, and love our neighbors so they hopefully accept Jesus as Lord. May we never go to bed without having hearts reconciled to You, and may we not waste time pursuing our own wills over Yours. We seek to honor, glorify, praise and obey You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training