November 14, 2014
HERE COMES THE JUDGE . . . !
Revelation 14:6–12
Paul Schmidth
Central Truth
God has always been the standard for truth, and the three angels in this passage leave little room for man's opinion. It's God Himself and His glory that is revealed in His creation and His redemptive plan. That is the standard we, as believers, live and die for.
Key Verse | Revelation 14:7
". . . Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water." (Revelation 14:7)
Revelation 14:6–12
The Messages of the Three Angels
6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion 1 14:8 Or wrath of her sexual immorality.”
9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. 2 14:12 Greek and the faith of Jesus
Dive Deeper | Revelation 14:6–12
I don't know about you, but this passage sends chills down my spine!
I cannot imagine what the Apostle John must have thought as he saw angels proclaiming what will and must happen during these dreadful times. Although I am not faced with this as I write, would I accept the mark of the beast, or would I be martyred for not following the way of the beast? And, how do I respond each day when I am faced with similar questions: Who is my King? Whom will I worship? What is the basis of truth in my life?
This passage reads like a horror novel or a scary movie. But, in reality, I make this choice every day about whom will I trust. When I choose life that is only found in Christ, I trust in His Word, I fellowship with His people, and I obey His commands. When I follow the way of this world, I do what Lucifer did: choose my will over God's will, which always brings death and destruction (see Proverbs 14:12).
The angel is proclaiming the last chance. Respond to the good news of God on His throne: a God who desires that all repent and not follow the way of the evil one.
I would love to tell you that I have not chosen the ways of Babylon, but I have. And it has caused me great pain in relationships, finances, and business decisions, to name a few. My hope now, as it will be in the last days, is to keep my eyes on Christ and repent of my sin. My hope is to not trade the true life that is found only in God's provision for the cares of this world.
Finally, this section of Scripture promises us that we will be persecuted if we follow God's commands, but we will be blessed with comforting and eternal life with our God. That's a firm knowledge that we are held in His unshakable hand!
Discussion Questions
1, Do you believe that what John described in this passage is coming?
2. What are you trusting in for your day of reckoning?
3. Who in your life is helping you discern whom you are following?
4. Are you sharing this message?