His Ways are Just and True

I am preparing for Christmas. The house is decorated. The gifts are bought. The cards are mailed. Final plans to celebrate are being made. There is a growing excitement of celebrations, and children's vacations. 

In a similar way, John sees God and His angels preparing for His final judgment. The angels are gloriously attired. The golden bowls are ready, filled with God's wrath.  The people of God sing His praises.

Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, King of the nations.
(Revelation 15:3) 

God is preparing to totally destroy everything He has created. All of the earth and sea and even the heavens. His people who are praising Him remind us this destruction is not random. It is not wrong or unjust. All His ways are good, therefore even His wrath and judgment are good.   

Who will not fear You, Lord, and bring glory to Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before You,
for Your righteous acts have been revealed.
(Revelation 15:4)

The problem is there are many who do not fear Him and who refuse to bring glory to His name. Those who refuse to obey the Lord have been causing chaos. They have been causing suffering and death. God had warned and disciplined. Now God’s wrath is completed. The time has come for judgment.

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed. (Revelation 15:8)

God created the earth as a place to commune with men. His intent is to restore. But before the new creation can be built, the old one must be destroyed. 

God will fulfill His original desire, to dwell with us forever and ever. To fill the earth with His glory and power as holy smoke fills the temple. How do we prepare for His coming again?

We remind ourselves His deeds are marvelous, just and true. We worship and fear Him. We trust He will accomplish His new creation where we will dwell with Him forever.  

Beloved, as we see the work of evil men and women in the world, it is easy to despair, to think justice will not be served. But You alone will bring true justice. All the nations will worship You. You alone are Holy. As we wait, You are preparing. Remind me again and again.