“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols…” (Revelation 9:20 ESV).
In John’s Revelation, six of the seven trumpets have been blown, yet humanity still refused to repent. If God’s singular purpose during the coming Great Tribulation would be to judge humanity’s sin, then a single, swift flood like in the days of Noah would suffice. But God’s activity is aimed at repentance. He wants to bring the remnant of His people to repentance and saving faith.
The means may seem harsh, but they reveal the depth of sin bound up in human hearts. Even after six trumpets of judgment, the rest of mankind continues wallowing in sin and false worship. The horror of this segment of Revelation is not God’s judgments, but humanity’s calloused lack of repentance.
What does it take to bring humanity to repentance?
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have given us Your Word so that we are warned of the coming Tribulation. Just as You did Abraham before You destroyed Sodom, You have warned us of a coming time of judgment on the earth. Help us to be faithful to preach the gospel, so that its hearers repent and believe on Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.