Bible Pathways 12/28/2003
December 28
Read Revelation 14 -- 16
In Today's Reading:
The Lamb; messages of the three angels; harvest of the earth; preparation for the seven vials (bowls) of wrath
In the midst of world chaos, John is led to report good news: I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's Name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts (living creatures), and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb (Revelation 14:1-4). The Lamb is the triumphant Christ on Mount Zion, the location of His Temple. His sheep, whom Satan cannot deceive, are the undefiled.
Here is the patience of the saints (Christians): here are they that keep (obey) the Commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed (Divinely favored) are the dead which die in the Lord from hereafter: Yea, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; 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 Your Word. . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Your Truth: Your Word is Truth (John 17:6,16-17). Such are believers who have taken up Jesus' cross of daily self-denial (Luke 9:23) and are truly serving the Lord. Those of the world who have never been saved would have nothing in common with those praising the Lord with many people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, to the Lord our God (Revelation 19:1).
Word Studies:
14:5 no guile = no lie or deception; 15:7 vials = bowls or cups.
Cross References:
For Revelation 14:7: See Psalm 146:6. Revelation 14:8: See Isaiah 21:9. Revelation 14:10: See Jeremiah 25:15; 51:7. Revelation 14:20: See Joel 3:13. Revelation 15:1: See Leviticus 26:21. Revelation 15:4: See Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 66:23; Jeremiah 10:7. Revelation 15:8: See I Kings 8:10-11
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Reverend G. Sam Jaya Prasadarao Gokanakonda, Gospel Outreach Ministries International; Telugu translator · Government Officials: Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL), Rep. Johnny Isakson (GA), Sen. Tim Johnson (SD), and Rep. Jim McDermott (WA) · Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic · Major language: Icelandic · Religious freedom · 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is quick to forgive (Psalm 32:5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 2:22-23
