True and righteous are Thy judgments

Revelation 16:7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

The book of Revelation is a prophetical book that delineates for us the events of the end times. Although we may not understand all of its implications or interpretations, we get a very clear and compelling picture of the events that will transpire. From the taking of the church to the time of great tribulation, from the judgments that God will bring on the earth, to His eventual dramatic and cataclysmic coming, we have been vouchsafed a view of what God will do on the earth before He says the words, “It is done.” See verse 17. And then the Lord Jesus Himself will rule on this earth for a millennium, and then remove His saints from here to the new heavens and the new earth.

But in the meantime we see every judgment one could think of, and every terror that could come upon mankind. God casts upon men the worst of the worst trials in the history of the world for the distinct purpose of turning mankind back to Himself. Why would He execute such harsh judgments? Because it is His last effort to save mankind from eternal destruction, His last act of mercy on the world. And we can see how hard their hearts were, for even in these judgments, they repented not of their wickedness, immorality, and blasphemy.

In the midst of these judgments, we hear some of the angels make statements concerning the working of God. Seven angels have been given seven vials full of the wrath of God. These are the final judgments. After this, all will be brought to the battle of Armageddon, and the enemies of God will be once and for all obliterated from the face of the planet. All those who continue to stand against the Lord will find their fate there. As the angels pour out the vials of wrath, we hear statements such as the one found in the verse before us. Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. The third angel had just proclaimed, “Thou art righteous, O Lord,” because the Lord had judged those that had shed the blood of saints and prophets. Many martyrs without number have been killed for the cause of their dear Savior, and therefore, God has given them blood to drink, for they are worthy. This judgment of turning the waters of the earth to blood is what is spoken of here. And “another” angel cries in concurrence with this third angel that the Lord’s judgments are “true and righteous.” True and righteous! True, for there is no lying or deceit with God. He knows everything and therefore is always accurate in His judgments. He does not misjudge, as we often do. He does not mistake innocence for guilt. He never judges wrongly. All His judgments are true. Righteous are His judgments, because He never executes an unfair or undeserved judgement. He never exaggerates the punishment of sin, nor diminishes reward of the righteous. He does not acquit the guilty, and always gives according to our works. Anything God has decided is not unrighteous or untrue. It is always in accordance with His nature—true and righteous.

Now, my friend, this morning we must rest in the truth and righteousness of God. You do not understand His judgments? You cannot see why He would judge thus? You cannot discern how it is fair? Rest not in your own knowledge, but in His understanding. Do not be dismayed that things are not as you think they should be, or desire for them to be. For His judgements are true! Do not wonder if God has made a mistake, and thus has disregarded goodness and righteousness and truth. He is God, and we are not. We are only the sheep of His pasture. We must rest in Him and His judgments. Don’t concern with it! Don’t burden yourself with something that is God’s burden! Don’t worry over something that you cannot change! Leave the judgement in the hand of God. For true and righteous are His judgments!

“Father, we want to thank you that all your judgments are true and righteous. We do not understand many of them, and will not until we see your face. Oh Lord, let us leave the judgement to Thee, and help us to watch for Thee instead, for blessed is He that watcheth! May we keep our eyes on Thee, and our hearts asleep in Thy will. Your judgments are always right. Thank you Lord! We praise you! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”