#soap # Revelation 09 ## Title: The Hope of Judgment ## Scripture: (Revelation 9:21) “Furthermore, they did not repent of their murders, of their magic spells, of their sexual immorality, or of their stealing.” (NET) ## Observation: When someone is judged in a court of law, there are usually two goals when a sentence is given. The first is to punish the guilty. The second is to rehabilitate the guilty so they can rejoin society. Many focus on the first and forget the second goal. The ultimate hope is the offender can rejoin society with a renewed sense of being part of the community and a new outlook on where the boundary lines are when it comes to acceptable behavior. As long as the offender stays within the boundary lines, all is well. In this passage we see a recurring theme. Over and over, judgment will fall and God’s Word records the people continued to not turn from their evil ways. The goal is not to punish and smash people further and further into the ground. The hope is they will turn from their evil ways and join the kingdom of God. Is it possible that is the goal of every time we experience the judgment for our sins? Is God always out to show us where the boundaries are so we can have freedom in the kingdom of God? (Hint: Yes) ## Application: Reframe any difficult situation you are currently going through. Is it possibly due to sins committed? If so, what can you learn so you can experience freedom and joy again? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for always hoping that we will experience freedom.