READING: Malachi, Psalm 2, Revelation 9
The human heart can be amazingly hardened and wicked. Revelation 9 speaks of a tragic time when much of the world will be destroyed by demonic invasion. These forces, though, will not operate apart from God’s control; they will simply be tools of God’s judgment on a rebellious world. Demonic hordes will carry out destruction on one-third of the human race—and you would assume the remaining people would repent and turn to God.
Not so, however.
In fact, the people will not only not repent, but they will also cling to “worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk” (Rev 9:20). The demons will offer only destruction, and their idols will offer nothing—but still the people will refuse to repent. They would rather live in their rebellion than follow God, no matter what it might cost them.
It’s easy to relegate this kind of rebellion to the future when God’s judgment falls, but all of us would choose likewise at some level were it not for the grace of God in our lives. Any faithfulness we exhibit is only because of Him.
PRAYER: “God, keep me humble. Remind me that my hope is only in You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 1-3, Psalm 29, Revelation 10