"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion of Revelation 14
Daily Nugget:
In Revelation 14, John sees Jesus standing on Mount Sion (Revelation 14:1). It is not the earthly Mount Zion, but the one spoken of by Paul (Hebrews 12:22-23). It is in the heavenly Jerusalem.
With Jesus on this Mount stands a large group. It will be the 144,000 introduced in Revelation 7:3-8.
These Jewish, 144,000 virgin males (Revelation 14:4) will have been martyred for their testimony and witness on Earth. They are in Heaven with the “elders,” hear the songs sung, and are the only ones that can also sing the songs (Revelation 14: 3). These martyrs are considered the “firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb” (Jesus). The “firstfruits” of the church have already been raptured up. These are the “firstfruits” of the restored, believing Israel.
Another activity is also occurring in the heavenlies. Angels announce other judgments on the inhabitants of the Earth. The third of the angels will proclaim God’s wrath upon those on Earth (Revelation 14:10-11) that gave in and allowed the mark of the beast to be imprinted on their foreheads or right hands (Revelation 14:12:16-18).
Those that accepted the mark will certainly justify their being imprinted. They will reason that if they do not take the mark of the beast and worship his idol, they cannot buy, sell, or even live.
Their rationalization will not deter God from pouring His wrath on them. They took part in idolatry (Revelation 14:10) and worshiping the beast. Sin is sin, no matter the pressures to be involved in it. God’s judgment on these will include eternal torment with fire and brimstone (Revelation 14:10) for their sin.
The 144,000 will most likely face the same requirements to accept the beast's mark and worship the beast’s idol as did the other inhabitants of the Earth. They blatantly refused to compromise their mission to witness and win many to eternal life with the Lord. They lost their lives, but they earned a special place in Jesus’ heart for their dedication and love. Revelation 14:4 says they will be honored for their stand against evil, for God’s way, and will have the privilege to be with the Lord wherever He goes.
These terrible days are yet to come. The church has not yet been raptured up to Heaven (Rev. 4:1). Although Christianity's persecution is getting worse, it is not like those left behind will experience after the restraining Holy Spirit is removed from the Earth, along with the Christians.
If the 144,000 will be steadfast in those difficult days, we certainly should be able to withstand the slight-in-comparison persecution we may face now. No matter the justification some give for succumbing to the world’s pressure of not living a godly lifestyle, we can stand, as will the 144,000. We can always do right and live a holy life. It is up to us to make the right decisions!
Today’s Thought:
“Do right! Do right! Do right ‘till the starts fall!” — Bob Jones, Sr.
Words to Understand:
Brimstone: sulfur, often referred to in the Bible as being in molten form
Furlongs: A length about 220 yards
Guile: crafty, tricky, shrewd in deception
Indignation: anger from being treated unjustly
Sickle: a harvesting tool with a long blade and long handle
Today’s Reading:
Revelation 14
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
6 ¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13 ¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.