The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. (Revelation 16:8-9, NIV 1984).
My Musings – This is the only bowl judgment that is against someone or something that is not on the earth. Nevertheless, it affects all on the earth. This is the day Malachi promised foresaw. “‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Malachi 4:1, NIV 1984). This judgment focused the intense heat of the sun. In response people cursed God and refused to repent.
By contrast, the fourth trumpet (Revelation 8:12) darkened a third of the heavens but did not include additional intense heat (likely the opposite?). It is clear from this and other prophecies that dramatic changes in climate will occur during the tribulation. But this “global warming” is coming from (or is intensified by) God, not man. Remembering that the water sources are now all tainted, one can imagine how people will suffer from thirst. Incredibly, and sadly, even this judgment will not bring men to their knees!
My Advice – Now is the time to bow your knee. In repentance or praise, depending on your standing in Christ.
Resources:
Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Re 16:8). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (p. 842). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Walvoord, John F. (1985). Revelation. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 967). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 610). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
The Brew Is A Musing 