Chapter 14 follows up the events of 12 and 13 and shows us the Confrontation of Kingdoms from the other side: the Lord’s!
Here we see Jesus (the Lamb) on earth at Mt. Zion (verse 1). Yes, Jesus as a Man is now on Earth!! And, He has gathered his people with Him as He prepares to slay the wicked in a war that could be dubbed the “Armageddon Campaign”. Jesus Himself will lead the armies of God (angels and us, the saints) in battle against the Antichrist kingdom, where He will take His final victory.
As Jesus prepares to make war, there is a New Song sung to Him (and it’s only sung by the 144.000, for some reason no one else could learn it). The desciption of those who were redeemed from the earth is powerful (verses 4-5) — “they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless“. This would be a great mission statement for our lives — to be pure and blameless, to be truthful in all of your speach and to follow Jesus wherever He goes, whatever He’s doing.
(verses 6-13)
An angel takes to the skies and proclaims the Gospel to those who are still alive on the earth (this is after Jesus comes back and before the final battle). Apparently there are still some on earth who have not chosen to worship the Antichrist, and who will be given yet another opportunity to worship Jesus and be saved! The mercy of God goes on and on!!
The second angel prophesies the fall of the the Antichrist’s kindgom, whose capitol city will be named Babylon. It will be judged for leading the world into sin and perversion.
The third angel declares a final warning ot the inhabitants of the earth, basically saying: “If you take the mark of the beast, you will be judged; the full wrath of God will fall on you; eternal damnation will be yours.” Again, the Lord is longsuffering, giving more warnings and preparation, for us ahead of time as we read this and declare this to those we know, but also to those who will remain, just before His full wrath is poured upon the earth.
Though those who receive the mark of the beast under Antichrist’s rule may enjoy “peace” and prosperity for a time, the choose it at a high price — they will find no eternal rest, they will be tormeted for ever and ever (v.11). This is weighty! For the saints alive on the earth, this truth should provide sober encouragement to remain faithful to Jesus in the midst of persecution and adversity, for they will recieve an eternal reward fo obeying God’s commandments and NOT worshipping the Antichrist or taking the mark. If there were ever a time when compromise is costly (and it always is), this truly is the pinnacle example.
And, though some believers will die in the environment of persecution, those who put their faith in Jesus, even in this late hour will receive a special blessing.
(verses 14-20)
Now, the warnings are over, the days of mercy have ended. The Lord has been very patient.
The evil and sin of the earth will have reached its apex (and we may think it’s bad now). It is time for Jesus to final remove all that is evil from the earth. He will “harvest” the ripened sin of the planet and finally remove it!! There will be a great bloodshed as God’s wrath tramples on those who have refused Him, as His Son begins to take over the earth and cleanse it for His Kingdom.
The evil and sin of the earth will have reached its apex (and we may think it’s bad now). It is time for Jesus to final remove all that is evil from the earth. He will “harvest” the ripened sin of the planet and finally remove it!! There will be a great bloodshed as God’s wrath tramples on those who have refused Him, as His Son begins to take over the earth and cleanse it for His Kingdom.
2 Peter 3:8-10:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Notice the contrasted realities of this verse as Peter encouages us. Sometimes we think the Day of the Lord (as we are studying in Revelation) is “so far off”, and in the mundane of the day to day it may feel like He is “slow” in returning. But truly days and years pass in an instant in light of eternity and these cataclysmic events. When Jesus shows up, if we have have not prepared, we will be caught unaware (like a theif coming). And, If we don’t pro-actively help prepare others on the earth they too will be caught unaware. On that day, when all is laid bare as His zeal is fully manifested in justice, mercy, righteousness, power and love, you want to be standing with Him, and you want everyone you know to be there, too.
People get ready! Jesus is coming!
Comments welcome!
Jessie Still 
First of all i’d like to commend you for putting that quote from Misty Edwards’ song at the end of this blog!
Second, i was just thinking about taking the sign of the Beast and following him. I’ve always thought “Wow people are dumb for following him, it’s so OBVIOUS” but it just dawned on me how decieving he WILL BE! He’s SATAN! The ultimate LIAR and DECIEVER! That realization gave me all the more reason to give myself whole-heartedly to the Lord so that i will NOT be enticed to follow him.
Yes, deception is the name of the game — and the crazy thing about deception is, when you’re deceived, you think your in truth, you have no idea that you are deceived!! The Antichrist will also have a demonic anointing that sways people and causes them to believe him.
Yes, giving yourself wholeheartedly to the Lord is KEY!
So is being a LOVER OF TRUTH:
2 Thessalonians 2:10- “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.”
#JesusasMan #OhZion #144000 #3Angels #IDontWantToDrinkHisWrath #TrustandbeObedient #RemainFaithfultoJesus #He’sActuallyComingSoonTimes #LikeRealSoon #MercyOnandOn