The Harvest of Judgement
REVELATION 14: 1-20
(December 23)
In our previous chapter, we got a good description of the evil showdown that will take place when Satan and his band of brothers take over the world (temporarily).
Chapter 14 gives us believers a little glimpse into the beautiful eternity that waits for us if we can stand strong against the persecution. The Lamb John is referring to is the Messiah, of course. And Mt. Zion is often a name used for Jerusalem, which is the capital of Israel. It is so different than the worldly empire.
What about the 144,000 people gathered around the Lamb? They represent the believers who withstood the persecution on earth and are now poised to live out eternity with God. The three angels represent destiny ... the contrast between the destiny of those who believe and those who don't. (It is QUITE a contrast!)
An angel flies by with the Good News, the eternal gospel. This is one last effort to get ALL to hear and recognize this truth from God, so that no one can ever say they didn't hear it. This is the last proclamation of this truth before God's great judgment begins.
Another angel announces the fall of Babylon. Babylon was an immoral empire where idol worship was rampant. Babylon once ransacked Jerusalem and carried the people of Judah into captivity. This city was the Jews' worst enemy. The Roman empire was the worst enemy of the early Christians. So, John gave Rome the name Babylon to indicate their evil as the enemy of God's people.
Another angel informs that all who refused to follow God will now receive his wrath. They are about to be tossed into the eternal fire, from which there is no escape.
The Son of Man came on a white cloud and swung his sickle, harvesting those who followed the enemy and wore the mark of the beast. They were gathered for judgement and blood flowed in a stream about 180 miles long and as high as a horse's bridle.
Judgment was in full swing on the earth. There was no turning back for those who refused God. There were no more second, or third, chances. What was done was done.
There is such finality in that... such desperation for those who must face this judgment on the wrong side. If only they had used their time on earth wisely, to follow Christ instead of the world.
We still have time. There is time to share with those we know who do not follow Christ. There is still time to plead with them, to live out life as an example to them, and to pray for them. Don't waste the precious time we still have. Fervent prayers move mountains.
Who can you pray for today?