You can run, but you can’t hide!

“Then the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy people, the people with great power, and every slave and every free person––all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who will be able to survive?‘” – Vs 15-17 NLT

There is a lot about this chapter I don’t understand. I have to rely on the “experts” to give me any idea of what is going on and what all the symbolism stands for. Like the white, black, red, and pale horses. But one thing I do think is pretty clear is that a day is coming when everyone who is alive on the face of the earth will acknowledge “the one who sits on the throne.” From the mightiest and the most influential to the wealthiest and the least significant, they will all share one thing in common: their fear of the wrath of God and the Lamb of God – Jesus Christ Himself. They’ll attempt to hide themselves among the caves and rocks in the mountains, but it won’t do any good. They’ll even beg the rocks to fall on them to protect them from Gods wrath.

There is much debate as to exactly when this is going to happen. But there is no dispute that it WILL happen. And when it does, no one will be able to stand before the wrath of God. Jesus Christ will no longer be able to be ignored. The One whom they have despised, rejected, discounted, and continually ignored as irrelevant and unnecessary will suddenly be the focus of all their attention. Their power, wealth, prestige, and position will not be able to save them. That day will be the great equalizer. All men who have rejected the Son of God will stand before God and His holy wrath. And John asks the question, “who is able to stand?” No one.

God will set all things right. His Son will be seen for who He is. He will no longer be ignored. He will be feared. I may not know exactly when all this is going to take place. I have my opinions. But I DO know that it will take place and that this is a reminder to us all of the holiness and righteousness of God. It also reveals the power of God. All the cosmic events described in this chapter – earthquakes, darkened sun, blood-red moon, and stars falling from the sky are reminders that God is the one who holds it all together. It is all under His control. And the day is coming when He will exert full and final control over all creation and all men. The Lamb of God will become the Lion of Judah. And no one will be able to stand before Him! We serve a great God and an incredible Savior.

Father, You are in complete control. You have a perfect plan that You are working and You will bring it about in Your time. Help me to remember Your greatness. No man alive or yet to live can stand before Your divine power and wrath. Your Son is the King of kings and He will one day reign over all. Men who once ignored Him will bow down in fear before Him. Their ridicule will turn to respect, reverence, fear and awe. Help me to keep my eyes focused on the end. The good guys win. Amen

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org