REVELATION 9:20-21
by Mako Kato
Read Revelation 9:20-21.
After all these different ways God judges the world, it says that the rest of mankind dose not repent.
Here we see human stubbornness and God’s love. Reading that humans will not repent is sad to see, but I appreciate that it shows that God is still giving mankind a chance to repent. Those who are left still have an opportunity to believe. In 2 Peter 3:9 we read that the Lord is patient with us, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all would reach repentance.” (ESV) God wants everyone to believe in Him and have life.
But these people will keep to their old ways of life. In these verses we see a rejection of what Jesus tells us is the greatest commandment – to love God and love our neighbor.
We see the rejection of God in verse 20 – Instead people worship demons and idols. In verse 21 we see that people will not repent of the wrongs they commit against their neighbors, whether murders or sorceries or sexual immorality or thefts.
But as Christians, how should we look at these verses? For me it is a reminder that it is important how we live our lives. We should not be like the rest of mankind that does not follow God. Christ empowers us to live differently. Verse 20 mentions the “works of our hands” (ESV).
What have you done with your hands recently? Have you built something, fixed something, driven somewhere or worked in the office? The works of our hands should be bringing glory to God. Like it says in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
I know that’s easier said than done.
What about sins we commit against or with other humans? I suspect that most of you haven’t murdered or committed sexually immoral acts with others, but I’m reminded of Christ’s words calling us to a higher standard. Remember in the Sermon on the Mount how Jesus mentions murder, but he takes it farther and says whoever is angry with his brother will be judged. And he says we know not to commit adultery, but he takes it farther and says whoever looks at a woman lustfully has committed adultery with her in his heart.
We are sinful, but we as Christians have repented and turned away from our sins. And when we do mess up, as we all do, we can come to God and ask Him for forgiveness. That’s the great thing. God wants us to come to Him.
He’s patient with humanity. He’s patient with those who have not believed, giving them a chance to hear the message of His love. He’s also patient with those who have believed in Him, even though we often stumble and don’t give Him glory in our words and actions.
