11/24 Revelation 7-9

I have not been as disciplined in my readings and postings since we have begun reading the book of Revelation. This is not due to the lack of importance I place on this book.  In fact, John writes in 1:3 
"³ Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near".  So it is most definitely a worthwhile book.  My attention wanders for two reasons.  First, so much of the book deals with eschatology and is ripe with symbolism.  How to interpret Revelation depends a lot on which commentary one reads.  Second, the parts I do understand (the warnings to the seven churches) has been so preached on in Southern Baptist churches, I lose interest.  Not that either one is a valid excuse.


Thanks to the rule-following gene I received from my parents, I dutifully kept plugging through John's book of wonderment.  I'm glad I did. 


I read and reread verses 20-21 in chapter 9 to really appreciate the gravity of what John wrote.  Most of chapters 8 and 9 recount a series of plagues that ravage the earth and its inhabitants.  Fire from the sky, lioned-toothed locust and darkness were just some of the horrors visited upon earth.  One out of every three people was KILLED as a result of these plagues!  I found it amazing that even after all that, those who survived still "did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. ²¹ Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts."  


Then it dawned on me that mankind is not so different at the present time.  Drug addiction is rampant, the divorce rate is above 50 percent, in 2009 there were over 1,300,000 violent crimes in the U.S. alone. Yet millions upon millions of people stubbornly refuse to turn to the one true source of salvation, peace and healing- Jesus Christ.  


Is it because Jesus Christ's love and forgiveness is unappealing, or perhaps it is because as His ambassadors we are not following Christ's command to "love your neighbor as yourself".


Dear Heavenly Father, may my life so reflect Your love and peace, that each person whose path I cross be drawn to, rather than repelled from, You.