From John G. Elliott

Update:

Revelation Chapters 13 & 14  (audio) are now available on the App and at the web site

Devotional from Chapter 14

The Beauty of God’s Judgments

“. . .and he (the angel) said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of water.’ And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality’” (Revelation 14:7 & 8)

     Yes. You saw it. I used the word “beauty” to describe the judgments of God. One of the finest break-throughs I have experienced in my life was when I came into a fuller understanding of the purpose of the judgments of the Most High.

     First, God must judge because His throne is established on righteousness. It is the only way true justice can be established on the earth. The judicial systems of this world are in open failure. Lawlessness is on the increase. It is more than apparent that we need help – help from heaven.  Be assured, justice will not prevail until Jesus reigns upon the earth.

     Secondly, I began to see the beauty of His judgments when I became aware that the primary purpose of His enforcement of righteousness is to remove all obstacles to His Love and Kindness.  This is where the “beauty” of His judgments takes center stage. God’s original intention was for human beings to enter into joyful and meaningful relationship with Him. This purpose involves eternal life in an atmosphere of peace, joy and pleasure. “In His Presence is the fullness of joy and in His right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).  Please make note of the following Scriptures that hold His judgments in high honor:

     “Halleluiah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God; because His judgments are true and righteous. . . .and a second time ‘Halleluiah’” (Revelation 19:1-3).  This Scripture makes clear that the judgments of God are a cause of overwhelming praise and thanksgiving. In Revelation 18, Babylon, i.e., the world-system, has fallen. This “removal” of wickedness paves the way for a society where love, unity and power can flourish. God’s judgments are beautiful.

     “The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold; sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:9&10). In this world’s realm, gold is of great value and there is nothing sweeter than honey. (I am a bee keeper and can verify this fact!!). The judgments of the Lord are beautiful, indeed.

     God is love. His plans for us all revolve around perfect Love. However, real Love cannot thrive where there is an absence of righteousness and justice. Today, many people have the notion that God’s Love allows a person to live almost any way they want to live. Nothing could be further from the truth. Real love thrives only in an atmosphere of holiness. Freedom is found in the way of complete submission and obedience to God and His will.

     God’s judgments, when completed, will remove from human society all deceit, strife, anger, falsehood, self-centeredness and secret evil. I am not able to express the deep yearning I feel to live in such a society; a society made delightful because the Lord was willing to defend His people against the forces of wickedness. I wholeheartedly recommend that you take a moment and specifically give praise to the Lord for the amazing and beautiful way He judges.  MORE >>>