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Chapter 14 (ESV)

⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth —to every nation, tribe, language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” ⁸ A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,’ which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.” ⁹ A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, ¹⁰ they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” ¹² This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

REFLECTION:

1. With humanity deceived by Satan, God sent powerful angels to call on mankind to worship God and make the nature of the impending judgment absolutely clear. The last expression of grace is rejected and all the saints are encouraged to endure.
2. So, even though we live in the world of catastrophes, of greed and lust for power, Christian’s role is to resist the seductive appeals of a culture that glorifies violence and sensuality.
3. Believers will die just as anyone else. And no matter how hard life here may be or how unrewarding it seems to remain faithful to the Lord, we are promised rest in the Lord. And our deeds will not be forgotten, but will follow us to glory.
4. As you struggle to live according to God’s laws, do you ever wonder if there will really be any reward? Will there be any difference between those who love God and those who live their life in rebellion against God’s love?
5. Read v12-13 again and allow it to sink in. Does this bring any comfort and encouragement to you?  How does it help you to face death?  And life?

PRAYER:

Dear God! Your promise is true and unchanging. No matter how rough my life is in this world, or my loyalty to You seems to have no effect, but You promised that I will one day rest from my labor in the world and have peace in Your arms. My labor will not be in vain, for You will praise me as a good and faithful servant.

HYMN:

Great Is Thy Faithfulness – youtu.be/ErwiBz1QA4o