Revelation Chapter 16

Revelation 16
 
“Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, ‘You are just in these judgements, oh Holy One, You who are and whom were; for they have shed the blood of Your holy people and Your prophets, and You have given them blood to drink as they deserve.’ And I heard the altar respond: Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgements.” Revelation 16:5-7, (NIV)
 
A Prayer Over Our Children
Oh conquering King, when Your wrath pours out, shelter and hide my child in Your holy tabernacle. When judgements come, find her blameless through her sufferings. Yet bring her to repentance with all praise and glory to You. Prepare my child for battle, I plead, keeping her alert and ready for Your glorious return.
 
Truth
     Today was one of those mornings. Crazy and hectic. Rushed and harried. Amidst it all, a complete attitude makeover was badly needed…for me.
     It started when I awoke late and behind the proverbial eight-ball. With a flurry, I charged into my daughter’s bedroom intent on making up for lost time. Flicking on her bedroom lights, I didn’t even bother with my typical morning greeting.
     “Let’s go!” I barked over my shoulder. “Time to get up!” I yanked open her closet in the hunt for clothing. Instead of pleasantries or cheerful chatter, a grumbling noise met my ears. A whining wail issued forth from under the bedcovers. I confess to all of you right now, I did not respond with gracious concern or empathy. Rather, I bristled with irritation and impatience.
     Sweet Pea who already possesses the flair for dramatics, has been struggling with seasonal allergies. Whenever her nose becomes blocked, it is as if the world ends and the sky is falling. Tears rain, sobs ensue, and wails abound. Needless to say, the end result to all of this is typically an even more stuffed nose.
     “Don’t cry,” I mechanically responded. “Sit up, blow yoru nose, drink your water, and go to the bathroom.” Understandably, my lack of compassion did not elicit a favorable outcome. Let us just say a minor morning skirmish commenced between mother and daughter. Yet even after the dust settled and tentative peace restored, I still marched, ordered, and barked my way through until my mission was accomplished…an empty house devoid of noise or complaint. 

     Even then, the day did not flow in peaceful measure. My cell phone disappeared and could not be found. The location of my ear buds was a mystery. Breakfast was unappealing and my mood prickly. Adding fuel to the fire was my realization of how I dressed Sweet Pea too warmly for the day. Now I worried her nose would not only drip like a faucet but she would also bake in the sun. Other negative self-talk arrived at the party and added to the noise. By the time I made it to the gym, I felt like the world’s worst parent.
     A place where my thoughts are unencumbered and free to roam as my body pushes and strains, the gym is a favorite stress reliever. It is also a space where I often hear the Holy Spirit whisper to my spirit. But even this sanctuary today was marred. My “go—to” exercise apparatus, the treadmill, was unavailable. Each running machine was occupied. To the elliptical I found myself relegated. Some may enjoy this machine but it is not my preference. For me, despite working muscles, my feet grow numb and my mind protests against what feels like a less natural cadence. There my arms pumped and legs moved. My uncoordinated limbs struggled to find a rhythm. Then, the familiar numbness began creeping over my toes…along with a flood of complaints to my heavenly Father.
     I’m not sure when it happened, but halfway through the workout, my complaints slowed and my spirit quieted. The rhythm of the machine’s movement began to lull and soothe. Plus, my conversation with God now transitioned more to seeking than complaining which added a harmonious synergy to the flow. Soon, the internal clutter and clamor faded to the background and I could hear the voice of God.
     You were too impatient with her, came the gentle rebuke, How were you able to show her my love with the way you acted? How did you model Christ? These tender words convicted my heart. Although I did not want to admit my actions had been wrong, the weight of their truth settled around me. Though in itself, my actions were not bad, my motives, attitude, and inner dialogue certainly were. You need to apologize to her, continued the still, soft voice. Model humility and repentance so she may learn to be humble before Me.
      Although my fleshly self wanted to turn a blind-eye, the still, soft voice persisted. An inner dialogue loudly protested. A desire to hold the “high ground” without confession or acknowledgement of sin waged war within me. I waivered in my choice whether to yield or push past these tender truths. Yet amidst the clanking machinery and thrust of my arms, the struggle finally came to a standstill. Yes, Lord, I breathed in humble submission, I will do Your Will and not my own.
     Suddenly, the weight against my chest lifted. Where there had been chaos and confusion, clarity now sharpened my focus. Chains which I hadn’t even realized existed, now fell away. What had felt topsy-turvey, now straightened and rightened itself. Peace was now restored. For despite sin revealed and heart motives exposed with the need to right a wrong, I felt free by this simple revelation.
     Truth sets us free. It does not judge or condemn. Nor does it smother. Rather it revives us to life once more. It restores life to the weary and downtrodden. It brings light to the darkest, most hidden places. Truth makes transparent what had been veiled or unknown. For when we follow the ways of God, we are no longer held captive to sin.
     Sometimes the truth is not what we want to hear or see. It can even hurt. But truth which comes from God is meant to illuminate the darkness so we may have life and live abundantly. Ignoring the truth will get us nowhere. But once our eyes are opened and we yield to the truth, the chains which once choked us are now released.
     The question is whether we will rise to face the truth and accept it, choosing to change and abide by it. Will we ignore truth or wield it to advance or defend the Kingdom of God. Will we don truth as holy armor and use it as the foundation on which we stand? If truth is not our foundation, how can we advance on solid ground? Without firm footing beneath our feet, it is difficult to stand and fight with accuracy or deadly blow. Yet those who ignore truth will eventually be led to their own demise. For those who keep themselves tightly wrapped in darkness will not see the clear light of freedom but drown in a trap of their own making.
     Whether it is truth which God reveals in our daily, everyday 5lives or truth God reveals in larger more global scales, it is vital we humble ourselves to it. We need to learn to use truth as the armor of God as the spiritual weapon He intended it to be. We need to yield and wield the light of truth, not fight against it. Whether in our daily lives at work, in our homes, with parenting, or within our community and nation, we need truth to win this fight for faith. Fellow parents and friends, join me in the battle to make truth known. We cannot win if we remain silent or hide it under a basket. We cannot ignore it and do nothing. Don truth as your daily armor and use it as a double-edged sword against sin and the Enemy. Rise up and answer the call.
 
A Parent’s Prayer
Oh Lord, open my eyes to Your truth. Let me not miss what You have for me this day. Help me yield to Your ways and listen to Your truths. Mold my heart to be humble so I may yield myself to You. Clothe me in the light of Your truth and help me to walk it out this day. Amen.
​