Revelation, Part 28
Reference: Revelation 14:17-20
Introduction
Last week, we discussed the assurance of the Saints – and got to glimpse the Master actually REAPING from this Earth. I know that I was encouraged by last week’s message because there is something awesome – something powerful – something so humbling about watching God work!
Tonight, we are going to examine some of the next events, and examine our own worthiness to serving the One on the Throne – who will be reaping this land.
Tonight is about study, and application.
Read Rev 14:17-20
Pray
Point 1 – Judgment Angels
This second angel that comes from the temple is heralding to Jesus Christ that the time to reap the harvest is now upon us! The earth in its current state is beginning to rot and it is time for Jesus to reap the Earth and remove those who have been faithful to Him – because mankind is in such rebellion as a whole – it is important to see that the proclaiming of the Gospel is done by angels during this time, not by man. (God’s Word is still being proclaimed …)
Remember that men and women are being killed off left and right (those who will not serve the beast) – ordered to take the mark or die – and these angels are proclaiming that the time is now to remove them from the Earth.
These angels have a very important role. They are the ones who will be reaping the Earth for not only God’s children, but for those who have gone against the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How does this match up to your life? Where you are in this? Are you ready to be reaped? Are you ready to be taken up by the Son of Man now or later? This is not only a message for tomorrow – but for TODAY as well!
Remember that we have discussed over and over that many things are happening at once as John is seeing them, and I believe John is not only seeing the harvesting of the faithful, but he is also seeing a glimpse of the harvesting of the unfaithful who have rejected Jesus and will be judged in Revelation 20:15.
Now, let’s reflect on this – and then spend our remaining time on the judgment.
Point 2 – Harvest of the Vine of the Earth
Remember that God uses angels to get His work done as well, and these angels are in heaven today, waiting for the Word to do their job. They have one purpose, to follow God without delay, and they will not be merciful.
Matthew speaks very clearly about these angels:
Matthew 24:31 says, “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
Matthew 13:41-43 says “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
(Application) This is for the church today saints! We have to listen, we have to obey, and if we do not then we need to repent and seek the Lord’s face in this!
On Wednesday night we discussed in Matthew 7 about asking, seeking, and knocking – and this evening if you are not asking and seeking and knocking then you need to get your life and your priorities in order!
Remember that in heaven, right now, are these angels waiting to act – and we have no more time to waste for we will never know when they will be sent!
Understand that this Earth will be judged, it will pass away – and God will use Israel to judge this entire planet. All nations on this Earth will seek out Israel for their own benefit and the winepress talked about is the judgment of God upon all nations and people who see to come against Israel.
Today, you may not come against this nation that you know of – but let me challenge you, are you paying attention to the news? Do you know what is going on in Israel? Do you know of the proposed peace plan with Palestine? Do you know how the US is trying to continue being on their side? Or, is it just another world away to you? Our own failure to understand, or support, or pray for this nation is choosing to turn your back on them – this is who God will judge.
Do you see that tie in? It is VERY important that we understand our place in this.
A winepress is used to squish the juice from the grapes, and in this same method will God extract from this world his vengeance on those who seek to destroy Israel and the people who inhabit it.
I have been saying for months that we need to be on the side of Israel for we will be judged as well, and here we see that God has a specific plan for his nation – and anyone that comes against it will be judged! Verse 20 talks about a “city”, and this city is God’s holy city of Jerusalem.
Judgment comes in the form of Jesus Christ, and Rev 19:15 covers this –
Rev 19:15 says “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
The one treading (or walking on top of) the winepress is Jesus Christ, and all nations shall be pressed under his wrath and authority.
This is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – Make no mistake: He shall no longer be the sacrificial lamb but the one promised to judge the living and the dead.
(Application) If we are not ready to meet the Lamb right now, then we are not worthy to serve with the Lion – this is OUR second application for tonight. In order to be one who serves with the Lion during this time of tribulation, we have to humble ourselves before the Lamb today.
Do you see the authority God has given Him? Do you understand the depths of His power? I don’t fully comprehend, but through Jesus I am beginning to see fully His authority and majesty.
You should ask Him to show you – it is no longer time to play church – but to be the church so that we may be counted worthy!!
As Jesus tramples on the winepress, look at the specific word use of what spills out. (Blood) This is the blood of those who come against the Lamb of God and His nation – and they are receiving their due judgment.
Expound on "blood" and the way God feels about it: From OT sacrifices to the NT shedding of blood at Calvary. Example that it is not shock that AIDS/HIV is a disease of the blood.
Blood covenants are VERY sacred to the Lord, and His justice and righteousness will not be pushed aside because people to choose to "do what feels good".
A stadia (or furlong) are both a measurement of distance – and this translated into our understanding is about 181 miles in length. Interestingly enough, 181 miles is the exact length of Israel from North to South! The blood will flow enough to cover the nation of Israel, up to a horses bridal (about 4 feet) height.
This is how many will die as they come against the Lord’s army. Think about it – which army will you be a part of? Which side will you choose?
Church, our application is simple – repent and serve the Lord, or be crushed in the winepress of God’s judgment – it really is that simple.
Next week we look at what happens in heaven JUST BEFORE the final judgment on this Earth. Be here, but take the time between now and then to make sure of your heart – to make sure of your life – for we never know when it will be too late to decide.
Pray
Research provided by Truthnet.org
