“The rest of mankind… did not repent of the works of their hands… they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.” – Revelation 9:20-21

The Apostle John had a vision that revealed to him a time when horrible judgment would fall on the earth, coming on those who rebelled against God, worshiped evil things, and whose lives were filled with sin.

Despite these horrible events, most people were not impacted. John was amazed. How, we wonder, would people not be overwhelmed with so much going wrong? How would they not see that this judgment was the result of sin, rejecting God, and serving false gods? How could they help but turn to Him?

The holy scriptures tell us that those who lived “did not repent of the works of their hands” and they would not change. It was a prophetic picture of events to come. But it also provides insights into the hearts of people throughout history – how often people simply have refused to change from their evil ways.

Prior to entering the Promise Land, God told the Israelites that they were “a stubborn people” (Deuteronomy 9:6). Later, God sent Ezekiel to the “stubborn and obstinate children” (Ezekiel 2:4). He told Jeremiah how “this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart” (Jeremiah 5:23). And the psalmist prayed that generations to come would not be “like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation” (Psalm 78:8).

Many unbelievers are just as stubborn today. We must continue to pray for them and to share the love of Jesus Christ. We should commit ourselves to seeking lost souls. Witness to them.  And hope their hearts will change by seeking God.

To return to the main page, click here.