Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The Apostle John uses graphic language to describe the final wretched convulsions of the earth before Christ’s Second Coming. Chapter 16 of Revelation pronounces in vivid detail the impact of the seven bowls of God’s anger poured out upon the earth. The second of these bowls is described thusly: “The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.” (verse 3 NIV)
In a very small way we saw this played out at Bear River National Wildlife Refuge in Utah. Each year the directors of the refuge drain a small portion of the sanctuary as part of their management plan. This results in a concentration of fish which in turn accelerates the depletion of oxygen in the water.
We were not aware of this when we first sighted a Turkey Vulture perched on what appeared to be a log, but upon closer examination discovered it was no log but rather a fish. As we continued we saw perhaps 1000 large carp, either dead or dying, due to lack of oxygen.
The truism offered by Jesus in Matthew 24:28 became apparent: “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.” (NIV) Not only vultures but California Gulls and White Pelican gathered around this ghoulish banquet, most too satiated to continue feeding.
Without an adequate understanding of the refuge’s overall plan, I have no way of properly evaluating their efforts. What I do know is that in the scene portrayed in Revelation, all upon whom these bowls were poured out refused to change their hearts and give glory to a deserving God. Such is the destructive nature of sin and those who hold to it.