Revelation 15:1-4 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues… It is said of Napoleon that when Marshal Duroc, an avowed infidel, was telling a very improbable story, giving his opinion that it was quite true, the Emperor quietly remarked, "There are some men capable of believing everything but the Bible." Infidels look at the Holy Bible superficially, and find fault with the form in which it appears, and reject it because of its mysterious contents, thereby maintaining that religion ends where mysteries begin. It is true that there are events too high, too wonderful and too deep, such things as pass our understanding, recorded in God's most holy Word. For instance, the doctrine of the Trinity in Unity, Three Persons yet one God, is most mysterious. This we cannot possibly understand, but then God does not ask us to, only to accept it with childlike faith. Again, the whole scheme of our Redemption from beginning to end is a profound mystery. Now look at some of God's mysterious and marvellous works in creation. 1. And first in the "field." Think of the various kinds of small seeds, such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye, which the sower takes in his hands, sows, and leaves in the earth to take care of themselves, but really to be looked after and to be taken care of by God. 2. Furthermore, God cares for our pleasures and happiness as well aa for our sustenance. This may be seen in the abounding and universal beauty of this magnificent world, where everything works so silently, so surely, and so harmoniously, thereby obeying the laws ordained by its Maker. Oh, let us pray earnestly against harbouring the spirit which, indeed, observes the works of God and of Christ, which simply arouses our curiosity, "makes us marvel, and leave Him, and go our way," as the Scribes and Pharisees did when put to silence. 3. Again, not only once a year, as in the harvest, are the marvellous works of God visible. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth His handy work." What a glorious sight by day to behold the "sun, which cometh forth out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course," and by night to see the clear moon and the twinkling stars! Can we look up there, and not think of God the Maker and Upholder of them all? Alas for us if we can and then simply "marvel and go our way" without a thought of Him. Whilst we accept mysteries in the "natural world," shall we reject "Bible mysteries"? (J. T. Hughes.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. |
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