The Book of Revelation | Rage Quitting

10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony 11 and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.

Revelation 16:10-11 (NIV)

The fifth bowl is poured out specifically on "the beast's throne," plunging its kingdom into darkness. But even this direct assault on the source of evil doesn't produce repentance. Instead, people "bit their tongues because of their pain" and "cursed the God of heaven."

This image of people biting their tongues in pain while simultaneously cursing God captures something profound about human nature. Even when we're clearly experiencing the consequences of our choices, we often respond with anger rather than acknowledgment.

It's like flipping over the Monopoly board when you're losing, it doesn't change the fact that you made poor strategic decisions, but it feels better than admitting you were wrong. The problem is that flipping the board doesn't actually solve anything; it just makes everyone else upset and ensures you won't be invited to play again.

The people in this passage are doing something similar. Instead of recognizing that their allegiance to "the beast" has led to their current suffering, they double down on their resentment toward God. Instead of repentance, they choose rage.

This is a warning for all of us. When we're facing the consequences of poor choices, our natural tendency is to blame someone else—our circumstances, other people, or even God himself. It's easier to be angry than to admit we were wrong.

But here's what John wants us to understand: there's always time for repentance while we're still breathing. These people had opportunities to "change their hearts and lives and give him glory," but they chose bitterness instead.

If you find yourself in a situation where you're tempted to "flip the board"—to walk away from faith, to blame God for problems you've contributed to, to choose anger over acknowledgment—stop and consider whether this might be an opportunity for repentance instead of rage.

The same God who pours out judgment on those who reject him extends mercy to those who turn back to him. But we have to be willing to stop biting our tongues long enough to ask for help.

Prayer: Lord, when I'm facing consequences for my choices, help me to respond with humility rather than anger. Give me the courage to seek repentance rather than blame.