“And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” – Revelation 16:5-6

"You deserve a break today"... "7 steps to Get the Body You Deserve"... "You Deserve a Love like This" ... "Get the network you deserve". We find these phrases and many more like them spread throughout contemporary advertisements. The questions are; what is it that we really deserve? And do we really want what we deserve?

If we stand before a Holy God, without any payment or cleansing of sin, what do we deserve? When this gracious and loving Creator has given his Son as our sacrifice for sin and we choose to reject the offer, what do we deserve? When we ridicule and abuse the children of God for their life of faith, what do we deserve? And do we really want what we deserve?

Do you wish that this passage didn't exist at all my friend? Are you quick to write it off as an image of something other than what it says? Don't be caught away with those that say we "deserve" wealth, health and success. As sinners, depraved and selfishly rebellious against God, we can only deserve a swift and harsh judgment. But, in mercy and grace the Lord offers us a salvation and an abundant life that we could never deserve. Don't wait, or ask for what you deserve my friend. Seek the face of God for what you don't deserve.