The seven last plaguesaresometimes a scary topic for kids as well as adults. They used to scare me as well. But after I discovered the wonderful love of Jesus and what he did for me, the thought of the last plagues no longer makes me shiver. Come join me as I walk with you through the seven last plagues with Jesus as our protector.
Setting the Stage
First, let’s set the stage. The world has just been given God’s last warning through the three angel’s messages. God has pleaded with everyone to not worship the beast, but to worship Him, the Creator of heaven and earth. God has separated histrue followers from Satan’s followers. This is sometimes called the two harvests of the earth (Rev. 14:15-19).
What happens next, just before the plagues?
“The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” Revelation 15:8
Jesus’ work as our High Priest in heaven is now over. The templeclosesand mercy’s door shuts. The main question to think about is – whose side will you be on? Will you be safe inside the temple, or left on the outside to fend for yourself? There will only be two groups of people. One that drinks of the wine of the wrath of God (Rev. 14:9-10) and those who are saved from wrath. When we accept Jesus in our hearts and follow Him, he saves us from the wrath of God (Romans 5:8-9). Isn’t that wonderful!
Now here’s something really amazing. In the final hours of His life, Jesus suffered the wrath of God, so we don’t have to. Take a trip with me starting in the Garden of Gethsemane and find out how Jesus suffered the seven last plagues for you.
Jesus’ Love and the 7Last Plagues
Plague 1 – A Grievous Sore
“So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.” Rev. 16:2
Our sins are like wounds or sores (Ps. 38:4-5). All of our sins were put on Jesus when he entered the Garden of Gethsemane that dark night. (Is. 53:12, 2 Cor. 5:21). The cup of God’s indignation is the same cup Jesus prayed about, “let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Rev.14:10, Matt. 26:39). It was God’s will that Jesus drink the “cup” so that you don’t have to.
Plague 2 – Sea Water Turns to Blood
“Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.” Rev. 16:3
Jesus sweat turned into blood because he was in such great distress. (Luke 22:44) The weight of our sins was nearly unbearable for Christ. Jesus is called the water of life (John 4:14). All are invited to drink that life giving water (Rev. 22:17). If we refuse, the water will become blood and the result will be death.
Plague 3 – Fresh Water Turns to Blood
“Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.” Rev. 16:4
This plague falls on the wicked because they have “shed the blood of saints and prophets” (Rev. 16:6). When Jesus was on trial, Pilate asked the people whether they wanted Jesus or Barabbas released. They chose Barabbas, who was a murderer (Mark 15:7). At the end of time, people will choose to worship the Creator or the beast. Most will chose the beast and Satan, a murderer. Because God honors freedom of choice, he will let them have their choice.
Plague 4 – The Sun Scorches the Earth
“Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.” Rev. 16:8-9
Men are scorched because they have rejected the one true God. They have worshipped the sun and now the sun scorches them. Sin separates us from God. Jesus experienced this separation from his Father in heaven when He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)
Plague 5 – Darkness on the Throne of the Beast
“Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.” Rev. 16:10
When Jesus hung on the cross, darkness covered the land (Matt. 27:45). During this time Jesus experienced the darkness of Satan’s kingdom. There is another throne – and that is the throne of your heart. You are a temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16) and Satan wants to sit in that temple (2 Thess. 2:4). Don’t let him in. Let Jesus be the king of your heart and you won’t have to experience the plague of darkness.
Plague 6 – Uniting of Evil Powers
“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Rev. 16:12-14
At the end of time three powers, counterfeiting the true God, will unite and attack God’s people. These are the dragon (Satan), the sea beast (a religious power), and the beast from the earth (a political power). Three powers joined together to crucify Christ. Satan, the Jewish leaders (a religious power) and the Romans (a political power). Jesus has already fought this battle for you and won against all the powers of darkness. Let him cover you with his righteousness – your garment of protection– and you’ll be okay (Rev. 16:15, Is. 61:10).
Plague 7 – It Is Finished
“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.” Rev. 16:17
Just before he died, Jesus cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Then he died and the earth quaked and the rocks were split (Matt. 27:50-51). Many graves were opened and those resurrected went into Jerusalem and appeared unto many people (Matt. 27:52-53). In a similar way, at Christ’s second coming, there will be a great earthquake, the biggest in history, and Babylon will receive the full force of God’s wrath. Satan’s kingdom on this earth will finally be destroyed (Rev. 16:19) All those who have followed Jesus but are resting in their graves will be resurrected and caught up in the air to meet Jesus. Those still alive on the earth will join them in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-17). Wewill all go to heaven where Jesus has prepared a place especially for you (John 14:1-3).
The Throne of Your Heart
There is a throne in your heart and Jesus wants to sit there (Rev. 3:20). Satan wants to sit there as well (2 Thess. 2:4). Who will you invite into your heart? When you put all your trust in God and follow him with your whole heart, he will protect you from the seven last plagues. Hallelujah!
If you ever feel afraid reading or thinking about the seven last plagues, memorize these amazing promises from the God who loves you so much.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most Highshall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
Only with your eyes shall you look,and see the reward of the wicked.Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,Even the Most High, your dwelling place,no evil shall befall you,nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. Psalm 91:9-10
The correlations between the last plagues and Jesus’ last hours before his death were gleaned from Tim Rumsey’s Living in the Final Week study guides at Pathway to Paradise. His study guidescan be found at www.pathwaytoparadise.org.
