The Book of Revelation | God's Justice

5 Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say:

“You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were; 6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”

7 And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”

Revelation 16:5-7 (NIV)

In the middle of this chapter about divine judgment, we find this statement about God's character: "You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were; 6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve."

The people experiencing judgment in this passage aren't innocent victims—they are those who "poured out the blood of saints and prophets." God's justice isn't arbitrary or capricious. It's based on genuine moral accountability. Those who shed innocent blood cannot expect to escape consequences forever. Those who oppress the vulnerable will eventually face a reckoning.

But notice the timing. This judgment doesn't come immediately after the first act of persecution or the first compromise with evil. God's wrath is described as being "poured out," suggesting that it has been accumulating over time. God's patience allows people multiple opportunities to change course before judgment falls.

This balance between patience and justice should comfort believers who wonder if God cares about injustice. When you see evil people prospering, when you watch the innocent suffer while the guilty escape consequences, when you wonder if anyone is keeping score—remember that God sees everything and justice will ultimately prevail.

But it should also humble us as we consider our own need for grace. If God's justice were immediate and complete, none of us would survive our first sin. The fact that judgment is delayed is evidence of mercy, not indifference.

The same God who will judge those who persist in evil is also patient with those who struggle with weakness. The same God whose justice is perfect is also rich in mercy toward those who turn to him.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your patience with my failures and your commitment to justice for those who are oppressed. Help me to trust both your mercy and your righteousness.