Today's reading: Revelation 6

"...For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" Revelation 6: 17 NRSV

These words of pure terror come from the mouths of both rich and poor when the sixth seal is open and God's wrath is clearly evident. All this occurs in John's visions of the end times. Again, we must remember that he was writing about visions (which are rarely clear) and in code (he was in prison, after all).

So, what should we make of this verse in this section of John's letter?

For me, this verse is actually humbling as well a frightening. I don't automatically assume I am one of the saved. Perhaps I should. But this verse reminds me that no one can stand in the face of God's wrath. Even those who are saved. I also wrestle with the idea of the God who can forgive us for killing his son and the God who is going to come back and destroy people. Will God become that vengeful in the end times? Or will God try to save us all? Perhaps somewhere in the middle of those two?

What does this verse or passage mean to you?

What do you do with this vision of God and God's wrath?

God, we have a hard time interpreting the Book of Revelation. Some folks will tell us this and others that. We really don't know what to think.  Be with us God as we struggle. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims