December 18 — "The Heart That Stays Soft, Stays Safe"

Today's Reading: Revelation 9

Even in moments of severe judgment, God’s heart is still reaching out to people and calling them toward repentance. Revelation 9 reminds us that warning always comes before final judgment, and that stubborn refusal to repent is never about lack of opportunity—it’s always a matter of the heart.

In Revelation 9:12, the announcement that “the first woe has passed” introduces a Biblical idea woven deeply throughout Scripture. A “woe” is far more than an expression of sorrow; it is a prophetic alarm meant to jolt the listener awake. In the Old Testament, prophets used “woe” as a spiritual siren—a final call to turn back before consequences arrived. John’s audience would have recognized this instantly.

These woes are not chaotic disasters; they are deliberate, purposeful acts designed to confront humanity with the weight of sin and the blazing reality of God’s holiness. By the time we reach verse 21, the tragedy becomes clear: despite overwhelming evidence of God’s authority, people “did not repent.” That phrase is chilling because it reveals not confusion, but defiance.

For modern Christ followers, this passage challenges our tendency to soften repentance. We live in a culture that reframes sin as preference, weakness, or personal truth. Yet Scripture insists that repentance is not optional—it is the doorway to life. Revelation 9 reminds us that ignoring God’s warnings doesn’t erase them. Grace rejected eventually becomes judgment faced. God’s mercy is vast, but it is not endless in the face of defiance.

Imagine a long mountain road lined with warning signs: “Sharp curve ahead,” “Reduce speed.” Most drivers slow down. But a few assume the signs are exaggerated. They keep accelerating—until the curve proves real. God’s woes are those warning signs. They are not meant to terrify but to rescue, urging people to change direction before consequences become unavoidable.

The call, then, is personal and urgent. Repentance isn’t just a one-time moment at salvation; it is a lifelong posture of humility before God. It means asking honest questions, naming sin clearly, and turning—not managing, excusing, or hiding. And while repentance may sting at first, it always leads to relief, freedom, and restored fellowship with God. The heart that stays soft stays safe.

May the Lord give you ears that hear His warnings and a heart quick to respond. May He grant you courage to repent where He convicts, and the joy that comes from walking in the light. And may His mercy keep you tender, responsive, and ready for His return.