Last week we looked at 3 truths about God: he will save the righteous, he calls everyone to worship him, and he will punish the wicked.  We talked about how we should respond to each of these truths, both in the areas of calling people to salvation and living the Christian life.

If you remember that far back (I struggle to remember what I had for dinner last night), you’ll recall a general sense of sobriety and somberness (is that a word?) when it came to the discussion of God’s wrath, especially as it was poured out on the wicked.  We talked about how we needed a greater understanding of God’s holiness if we wanted to understand God’s wrath.  Very fitting point, and one we need to grow in.  But as I’ve been reading through Revelation 15, I’m struck with the fact that its been “kicked up a notch”: not only is God’s wrath looked on as completely right, but it is an occasion for worship.  Not only worship, but joyful worship!

What a contrast to my way of viewing God’s wrath.  I am joyful when I ponder that I’m not an object of it anymore, but the rest of the time I go back and forth between a yawn and a shudder: I either am apathetic, or I get all down and dejected.  Although this last response is fitting (not the one before that!), what is missing is a focus on and a delight in the very nature of God.  He is not like the capricious pagan gods who get angry just like you and I; no, he is the Lord God Almighty, who is and was and is to come!  His wrath, as we will see in Revelation 15, is a vindication of his name, and a response to his children.  I can’t think of two greater themes that would lead to joyful worship and praise!

So, all of that to say this: join us on Sunday as we worship God for who he is, what he has done, and what he will do.  Pray that God would deepen your understanding of him in a powerful way!