eschatology, First Bowl: Painful Sores (Rev.16:1-2)

The last set of seven judgments begin, and the first bowl of wrath is released onto the earth.  Notice that this judgment will only affect those people who have the mark of the beast.  And it will be painful, because these sores will be more like ulcers and very intense.

I just looked up the definition for "malignant" and it means "evil in nature or effect";  synonyms are:  virulent, infectious, invasive, uncontrollable, dangerous, harmful, pernicious (so... NOT good)...

(Revelation 16:1-2)  Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.

Today's takeaway:  because we live in a fallen world, we might suffer from various diseases.  Thankfully, God is the great Healer.  And God has gifted some people as healers.  And God has given us doctors and caregivers.  And sometimes God will allow the disease to stay with us.  But whatever the outcome, God will always give His strength to us when we stay focused on Him and keep doing His will.  Apostle Paul is an excellent example of this...

(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)  Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

When my mom was in the hospital long-term, nurses would come into the room, warning her that they had to do some terrible procedure, and my mom would cheerfully say, "Okay.  What's the best way to do this?"  And they'd comment on her disposition, and ask why she didn't throw a fit or swear at them.  She had so many opportunities to share God's love with those around her.  So at her funeral, it wasn't any surprise to see so many doctors and nurses in attendance!

We need to remember that spiritual healing is the most important "health" one can pursue.  And often when we address our spiritual health, our physical health can and will improve (to whatever extent).  And of course, as believers we can look forward to heaven where we will received glorified bodies with perfect health...

(Hebrews 11:6)  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

(3 John 1:2)  Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

(Proverbs 3:5-8)  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;  fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

(Psalm 17:22)  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

(Philippians 4:4-7)  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(James 5:13-16)  Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

(Psalm 103:2-5)  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;  3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;  4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;  5 Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

(Isaiah 53:4-5)  Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried;  yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;  the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.