As we continue our study in Revelation, chapter 14, we learn more about the beast and what happens to those people who get the mark, the gospel message that would be preached in all nations at this time, and lastly how the city of Rome has fallen. We learn all this as start with verse 6. It reads, “and I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 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. nd there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” (Revelation 14:6-10) So what do we see in this fallen city of Rome, which is Babylon? We see the Catholic Church. It falls along with the city, most likely because of the idolatry that has plagued this church over time, and their persecution of the saints in the beginning years. As for people who worship the beast and get His mark, God’s wrath is poured out upon them. Therefore, follow Jesus and this won’t happen to you.
We learn about this wrath that God pours out upon those who got the mark of the beast. These are those who will be thrown into the lake of fire, where they will be tormented day and night. As for those people who resisted getting the mark for the sake of Christ are saved. Because they keep God’s commandments and their faith in Jesus, they are blessed in the Lord. They may have died for their faith, but it was not in vain. In death, they rest from their labors but their good works and continue with them in heaven. Praise God for people like this in these dark times. We learn all this and more as we continue reading in verse 10. Speaking of those who got the mark, they “shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: 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.” (Revelation 14:10-13) It is my prayer that you live and die for Jesus. Don’t be weary in living your life for the Lord. This is unto salvation.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will not only use me mightily for Your cause but that many other people will also follow suit. To live and die for Your cause is what I am made for. Not to be a coward when I am asked if I am a Christian for the sake of living or dying. You mean the world to me, God. What can I gain in this life, if it isn’t founded on You? Everything I know and love in the flesh will one day wither away. I can’t even count the number of my days, for only You can see when my death will happen. But I know that when that day comes, I will be singing and shouting hosanna to Your great Name, Jesus. Then, will You take me to Your heavenly home above, where there will be no more tears, sorrow, or death. The former things will be no more, and now I will be able to bask in Your glory. For eternity will I praise Your holy Name and continue to do whatever You ask me to do. Lord, take me where I am today and make me even greater for Your kingdom. I want to do greater things than I am doing now, but only You can help me achieve this through the Holy Spirit in me. Therefore, I cast aside all my lustful desires in order to be heavenly-minded. Give me wisdom that surpasses all understating. Much like Solomon became the wisest person in all the world because of You, God, give me this type of wisdom also. Help me to see things exactly how they are now and what they can still become in the future. Do in me a work that has never been seen before. I pray for many more salvations. Help me lead people who are lost to You. I love You. Amen.
