Scripture Text: Revelation 14:1-20
[1] Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
[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.
[14] Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Revelation 14:1,10 & 14 (ESV)
Before software, newspapers set their type manually, reserving the largest type for momentous events such as the outbreak of war. This style was called the “Second Coming” typeface.
The momentous event depicted in today’s passage makes all others pale in comparison. Christ is standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000 who had been sealed in Revelation 7. The aim of this vision is not to describe the manner of Christ’s return but rather to emphasize its certainty. His appearance with the 144,000 seems rather like an invasion. Commentator John Walvoord explains, “It is preferable to see this as a prophetic vision of the ultimate triumph of the Lamb following His second coming, when He joins the 144,000 on Mount Zion at the beginning of His millennial reign.”
The statement that the 144,000 had not “defiled themselves with women” and had “remained virgins” has puzzled many (v. 4). It could mean that they deliberately refrained from marriage. But the language of defilement makes this unlikely. Instead, this description seems to emphasize that they are wholly devoted to the Lamb.
Three angel figures appear, each with an important announcement. The first announces a message called “the eternal gospel” (vv. 6–7): the good news that the hour of judgment has come. The second angel brings a terse declaration of Babylon’s fall (v. 8). Babylon is the capital of all who oppose God and the antithesis of God’s holy city, Jerusalem. The third angel announces the impending doom of all who worship the beast. They will be subjected to eternal, conscious torment, forced to “drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath” (v. 10).
Reflect
1. How does the scene of Jesus with the 144,000 make you feel about His return?
2. What do you think staying pure and committed to Jesus, like the 144,000, looks like in your life?
3, How do the messages from the three angels impact your understanding of judgment and salvation in the end times?
Remember
Believers-Followers of Christ, we can see our Lord Jesus stand alongside 144,000 sealed followers on Mount Zion. He triumphs after His return and the start of His reign. He will surely comeback and not to be concerned so much on how exactly it will happen. It also talks about the 144,000 followers who stayed pure and committed to Jesus. Three angels bring important messages: one about the eternal gospel, one about Babylon's fall, and a warning for those who follow the beast. This all speaks to judgment and salvation as we approach the end times.
Read
Psalm 2:1-6; Daniel 7:13–14; Luke 21:25-28; 1 Corinthians 7:25–40
Pray
Heavenly Father, as we delve into the profound truths of Revelation, we are reminded of Your sovereign plan and the assurance of Christ's triumphant return. Grant us the grace to stand firm in our faith and remain pure in our devotion to Him, following the example of the 144,000. May we heed the warnings brought forth by Your angels and hold fast to the eternal gospel. Let us live in anticipation of Your righteous judgment and the salvation You offer to those who faithfully follow You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Commentaires