“So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and a harmful and painful sore afflicted the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image” (Revelation 16:2).
Does the Lord do things to punish people? The world sometimes thinks so. If people obeyed God’s commands, there would be no need for abortion and there would be no STD’s that they would catch. Does God cause abortion and sexually transmitted diseases? God forbid we have such horrible thinking. The wrath is built in as a recompense. The deterrent is to cause us to pause and think again about what we are doing.
The Lord desires that none would perish. When the word of God says this, it means it. Our Savior died once for all. We will, however, pay the price for the sinful things we do. We are forgiven, yes, but the built-in recompense is ours. If I steal, get caught, and go to jail, that is as it should be. The forgiveness of Christ may be mine, but I will pay a price for my crime. Abide in Christ so that His grace paves the way to be with Him forever.
Lord Jesus, I do not understand why I think that because I follow You, no plague should touch me. Your death was horrific. If You were not exempt from the sin of this world, and You are perfect, why do I think that I should be exempt from the recompense of sin? Lead me to persevere so that no matter what happens in my lifetime I know that You love me and that Your grace is sufficient for me. Amen.