Bible Pathway - December 28
Read Revelation 14
Highlights:
The Lamb; messages of the angels; harvest of the earth; preparation for the seven vials of wrath.
If any man worship the beast . . . he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone . . . And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night (Rev. 14:9-11).
In contrast, it is the Lord Jesus Christ that we should be worshiping in our church services. There is no doubt Jesus Christ deserves the praise and worship of every believer. It is He who gave His life for all mankind. Let us never focus our adoration on something earthly. The Son of God deserves all we can give. 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 (14:7).
Here is the patience of the saints (Christians): here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 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 (14:12-13).
The dead which die in the Lord can only mean those for whom Jesus prayed: They have kept Thy Word . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:6,16). Such believers willingly take up Jesus' cross of daily self-denial (Luke 9:23). In striking contrast, our Lord drew aside the veil of the unseen world and revealed the horror of the inevitable, fiery torment that awaits those who die without ever accepting the free gift of salvation through Christ Jesus (Rev. 14:9-11). They have chosen to enjoy the temporary pleasure of sin over an eternity of being in the presence of Christ.
There is an eternal hell, and all whose names are not found in the Book of Life will be cast into this lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). What words could God have used to make this warning more clear? Jesus has made the way plain. Man strives to make his own way which ends up leading people further away from God. What could be easier than accepting Christ as Lord and Savior? In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3).
John declared that he saw a new Heaven and a new earth in a sinless environment where nothing that defileth can enter. There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Rev. 21:27).
Thought for the Day: God is no respecter of persons — everyone will receive his just rewards — good or evil.
Cross References:
For Rev. 14:7: See Ps. 146:6. Rev. 14:8: See Is. 21:9. Rev. 14:10: See Jer. 25:15; 51:7. Rev. 14:15: See Joel 3:13. Rev. 14:20: See Is. 63:3. Rev. 15:1: See Lev. 26:21. Rev. 15:4: Ps. 86:9; Is. 66:23; Jer. 10:7. Rev. 15:8: See I Kin. 8:10-11.
Word Studies:
14:5 no guile, no lie or deception; 15:7 vials, bowls or cups.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matt. 6:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 2:11
