Highlights:
The people of God sing a new song at the throne (Rev. 14:1-5; Ps. 96:1; 98:1; 149:1; Is. 42:10). A special offering of firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb (Rev. 14:4). What to preach and to whom (14:6-7). The wrath of God (14:9-20; 15:1,5-8; 16:1-21). Victory over evil (15:2-4). Be ready (16:15).
In the midst of world chaos as a prisoner on Patmos, John is led to report good news. The narrow . . . way (Matt. 7:14) is victorious beyond compare. The Christian discovers the fulness of the love of God who made possible an escape from this meaningless Satan-controlled world to the higher spirit world before the throne. John proclaims: 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. 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: 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 whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb (Rev. 14:1-4). The Lamb is the exalted Christ who once again will stand on Mount Zion with His undefiled sheep, whom Satan did not deceive.
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). If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
The heavenly choir sings praise to God for His faithfulness. They praise God because Truth has won the battle over the deception of the Devil. The visions in Revelation reveal that God is not indifferent to suffering endured by the faithful. Judgment of the unbelieving is inevitable. In contrast are the people in heaven, who proclaim, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God (Rev. 19:1).
Thought for Today:
Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15).
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 Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Doyle Carter • Executive Director & Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael & Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL), Gov. Mike Beebe (AR), Sen. John Isakson (GA), Sen. Tim Johnson (SD), and Rep. Jim McDermott (WA) • Country: Nepal (24.3 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India • Major language: Nepali • Limited religious freedom • 85% Hindu; 10% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Fast, sanctify yourself, and unite in prayer with others as you cry unto the Lord (Joel 1:14).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 14:6