Today, Thursday June 09
“And Another Angel”
Revelation 14:6-7
“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."
From Revelation 10 through 14, John has been both looking back and looking forward at specific events that are taking place in the Tribulation. Looking back John saw God’s two witnesses (Rev. 11) appear at the very beginning of the Tribulation and begin preaching their message for three and a half years. At the same time, he saw the Antichrist revealed as he signs a peace treaty with Israel, promising them protection and bringing peace to the world. Looking forward, John sees the two beast appear that demand worship of the image they have placed in the temple and putting a mark on their followers.
Now here in the middle of the Tribulation in Rev. 14, John gets an upward look, and he sees the Lamb on Mount Zion with the 144,000, and they are singing a new song! Next, he sees in heaven at least six angels and they each have a specific message that we will be looking at the next few days.
Over the years as I’ve been reading and studying my Bible, I often will see certain things in a chapter, and I will write a title over that chapter. Over Psalm 88, I’ve written, “A Lonely Sad Person Psalm”. Over Psalm 102, “The Me, My, I Psalm” and the “Oh Me, Psalm”. Over Psalm 107, “They Cried to the Lord Psalm”. Well, over Revelation 14, I’ve written “And Another Angel”.
Angels are mentioned over seventy-six times in the book of Revelation. Heaven is full of angels who are prepared and ready to do God’s will and bidding. I’m convinced that the earth is also full of God’s angels that we can’t with the visible eye. But they are as real as the desk I’m sitting at this morning. Remember in one night, one angel killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35). Jesus warned to never offend a child because they have angels beholding the face of the Father waiting to be told how to protect them (Matthew 18:10).
The first angel John sees in Rev. 14:6-7 is bringing a message of coming judgment to the world. During the present age, the angels are not privileged to preach the Gospel. That responsibility has been given to God's people. While the nations will fear "the beast" and give honor to him, this heavenly messenger will summon them to fear and honor God alone. This angel’s message reminds people in “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people group”, that God is the Creator and He alone deserves worship.
This is not the Gospel message as we know it, which is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). But rather, it is a return to the message of Romans 1:18-21, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” This is what theologians call "natural theology."
All creation bears witness to God's existence as well as to His power and wisdom. Nonetheless, "the beast" will convince men that he is in charge of the world, and that their destinies are in his hands. The message of this angel calls men back to basics: God is Creator—worship and serve Him. The fear of the Lord, not the fear of "the beast," is the source of wisdom (Prov. 9:10).
Today, we are given the responsibility and the “Great Commission” to share to the “Good News” of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone we can! May the Lord help us to be obedient and do it!
God bless!
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