How should believers respond to God's judgments in their personal lives today? Setting the Scene: Revelation 11:13 “And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city collapsed, and seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” Key Movements in the Verse • A sudden, undeniable act of judgment—a “great earthquake.” • Limited yet serious loss—“a tenth of the city” and “seven thousand” lives. • A heart-level reaction—“the rest were terrified.” • A God-honoring outcome—“gave glory to the God of heaven.” Timeless Principles for Today • God’s judgments are purposeful, never random (Job 37:13; Isaiah 26:9). • Holy fear is appropriate and healthy (Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 12:28-29). • Judgment invites repentance and renewed worship (Romans 2:4; Revelation 14:7). • Even limited discipline is mercy—calling us back before total ruin (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Giving glory to God is the fitting end of every trial (Psalm 50:15). Practical Responses for Daily Life 1. Examine your ways. – Ask, “Is there any sin I’ve excused?” (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Embrace reverent fear. – Let God’s holiness shape choices; avoid casual attitudes toward sin (1 Peter 1:17). 3. Confess promptly. – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9). 4. Surrender control. – Recognize His right to shake what must be shaken (Hebrews 12:26-27). 5. Give public glory. – Share testimonies of His discipline and deliverance (Psalm 107:2). 6. Persevere in obedience. – God disciplines “every son He receives” so we may share His holiness (Hebrews 12:6, 10). Other Scriptures Echoing the Same Call • Acts 5:11 —“Great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.” • Luke 13:3 —“Unless you repent, you too will all perish.” • 2 Chronicles 20:9 —Trouble drives God’s people to His house to seek His help. • Psalm 119:120 —“My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.” • Isaiah 57:15 —The High and Holy One dwells with the contrite and lowly in spirit. Encouragement Amid Judgment God’s judgments aim at restoration, not destruction. When He shakes our world, He is inviting us to deeper humility, clearer worship, and fuller life in Him. Respond quickly, respond reverently, respond gratefully—and, like those survivors in Revelation 11:13, give glory to the God of heaven. |
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