Revelation 16:8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. 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 anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.
The fourth and fifth bowl shows the power of God over His creation. It is hard to say what will take place that allows the sun to scorch people with fierce heat. It is not just part of the world, it is all people in the world who have taken the mark of the beast, who have denied God, and would not repent. This scorching heat is followed by a darkness so dark that people are in anguish over it. We can speculate on what will take place but in the end that is all it will be, men trying to speculate about what God can and will do to cause these events on those who have rejected Him. It is important to note that the wrath and anger of God do not draw people to Him. It seems as though they harden their hearts more rather than having them soften. Paul put it like this as a warning: Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? It is God’s kindness that leads to repentance, not His wrath and anger. God’s kindness is not to be taken lightly, His offer of mercy and grace are not to be taken lightly, His redeeming love, and salvation found in and through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ is not to be taken lightly. Paul said; “What manner of person ought you to be in light of the great price paid for your salvation?” There should be no room in our heart and mind for what we allow to be in there. There should be no room for neglect and complacency. There should be no room for things of this world to replace the fullness of Christ in our life. Our lives have been bought with a very high cost and we should be living in light of the price that was paid. Do not forget for a single moment the grace, mercy, and love God has poured out on us. Keep this thought close to your heart and mind when you wake and when you go to sleep and live to honor and glorify Him by growing more mature in your faith and love for Him.