Preparing for Armageddon

 Read Revelation 16.

The 7th trumpet blew in 11:15.  But the judgments of that alarm are not unleashed until chapter 16.  7 more angels will appear each with a bowl full of God's wrath to be poured out on the earth.  The Lord has delivered similar plagues as these in Egypt to humble that pride-filled pagan nation, preparing the exodus of the Jews.  And, some similar events have already taken place in Revelation.  The difference here is that these plagues will be worldwide, building toward the end of the Tribulation and the return of Christ.

Bowl #1 (v.2)
Previously, such a plague only affected 1/3 of mankind.  Here, these boils will come upon all those who have received the mark of the Antichrist and worship him.

Bowl #2. (v.3)
Again, when this happened before in Revelation, only 1/3 of sea life died.  Here, "every living thing died that was in the sea."

Bowl #3. (vv.4-7)
Next, all the sources of fresh water will be turned to blood.  John was even told why this specific judgment will happen.  "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink.  It is what they deserve!"

Bowl #4. (vv.8-9)
The sun's intensity will be so great that it will burn people.  The prophet Malachi spoke of this day.  "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble.  The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." (Malachi 4:1)

Bowl #5. (vv.10-11)
This plague of darkness is directed right at the center of the Antichrist's power and worldwide control.  The prophet Zephaniah described this event hundreds of years before the birth of Christ.  "A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against lofty battlements." (Zephaniah 1:15-16)

Bowl #6. (vv.12-16)
The Lord will cause the Euphrates River to dry up in preparation for the armies of the east to easily cross.  These, along with a trio of demons, will be headed toward a place called Armageddon.

Bowl #7. (vv.17-21)
The sights and sounds of this judgment are unimaginable.  From thunder, lightning and great hailstones from the sky to earth-splitting quakes, God will be demonstrating His omnipotence over His creation.

What is the point?  It is two-fold.  On one hand, these judgments are meant to humble those who have rebelled against the Lord and cause them to repent.  But instead, their stubborn hearts are so hardened by personal sin and satanic deception that they curse the very One who is able to save them.  The second purpose is to bring the Tribulation to a climactic conclusion.  It will culminate with the glorious appearing of Jesus.