Revelation 16:4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.

The third bowl judgement

Think back over the years of our history and think of all the people martyred for Christ. Think of all the persecution that we have read about in this book of Revelation. Think of all the sin and all the people that have refused to give God His glory. He is the Creator and sustainer of everything. We cannot even control our bowels, and we think we are or could be the god of our own lives.

This third bowl judgement is similar to the one we have seen before, but this time it effects the fresh water that is left. When this angel pours out his bowl, the rivers and the springs of water turn to blood. Again, it reminds us of the plagues of Egypt during the Exodus. This is a fitting judgment because of all the blood of the saints that have been spilled over all the years of our history.

The praise and justification from the angel

Revelation 16:5-7 And I heard the angel of the waters saying:

“You are righteous, O Lord,
The One who is and who was and who is to be,
Because You have judged these things.

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets,
And You have given them blood to drink.
For it is their just due.”

This is a gory scene we are learning about. Think about being so thirsty, and the only thing to drink is blood. Talk about becoming a vampire! But the angel explains the justification for this. God is righteous. The One who was and is and is to come! He has seen and heard the prayers and His saints calling out to Him. This is His response to all those who are on the side of the evil one.

How do I avoid this?

Revelation 16:7 And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” First, we need to understand how righteous and true God is. His righteousness cannot tolerate sin. Second, we need to realize how sinful we are. Ecclesiastes 7:20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin. Third, confess your sin to a forgiving God, Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Lastly, confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Matthew 10:32 Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in Heaven.