God's Ultimate Appeal Rev 14

God's Ultimate Appeal

Rev 14

Road signs include information, warning and stop signs. Ignoring the road signs can result in car crush, injury and possible loss of life. God knowing the hazards that lie ahead has provided a safe passage and has provided ample signs to guide humanity. People who ignore the signs will have no one else to blame but themselves, just like people who ignore evacuation calls when a Tsunami is imminent.

The book of revelation reveals Christ. Revelation 14 shows Christ standing victorious on mount Zion. He is standing in a context where the beasts and Babylon are falling. He will be the one to remain standing. He will be the one with the final say on earth’s affairs. He will stand together with his people.

The revelation of Christ exposes the evil one and his horrible works. Nevertheless, before the judgments that come on earth because of evil works God sends out warning messengers/angels.  Revelation 14 presents several messengers and their messages inviting people back to God and the reasons why they should accept the invitation. The messages make up God’s final appeal before doors of hope close on those who reject God’s hand of mercy. The messages present a last opportunity. Actually, every opportunity could be the last. As we look at the warning messages from five messengers, let us evaluate our attitude to opportunities God gives in life particularly regarding the Lord Jesus Christ.

Invitation: All are welcome (14:6)

An angel or messenger was sent out carrying the wonderful gospel of Christ to all people of the earth. The angel went out proclaiming Christ to every nation, tribe, language and people. The grace of God that rescues from the worst of sin is loud, clear and wide. All humanity invited to heed the call to repentance and to abundant life from dead works. Even in great tribulation, God is and will be reaching out to people. God has never sent anyone to hell (2 Peter 3:9). To the contrary, he has provided everything for averting hell.  People who end up there will have fought hard for it. Anyone who fights hard enough will end up there. Doors are wide open. Let God win in your heart. Stop rationalizing your godless state and situation. The call is for whosoever to come and receive freely the gift of eternal life. Finding salvation is easier than not. Today is the day of salvation. Every opportunity to straighten things in your life could be the last you have. God has made his ultimate appeal for you to make him your ultimate appeal.

Reason 1: Call to worship the creator (14:7)

God made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water and all that is in them and therefore deserves worship. The angel was saying it makes sense to give God the glory and credit. He knows the design and purpose of your life. To experience your deepest fulfillment and your best potential you must come to him and let him show you the way.

Reason 2: Call to abandon a sinking ship (14:8)

The angel announced the fall of Babylon, any people and value systems without God. Trusting in God is the wise option. Any other option is ultimately a waste because a life without God is doomed. All other ground is sinking sand. Jesus is the solid rock on which to stand. It is time to sober up from the wine of the wrath of Babylon’s sexual immorality.

Reason 3: Call to think consequences (14:9)

Think consequences/outcomes. Do not be deceived whatever you sow you will reap. Actions have corresponding consequences. Let us sow in righteousness, and faith. The beast and his image and mark mentioned, represent attitudes and actions that reject God’s way and demean His being. Obedience through grace in Christ leads to blessing. Disobedience attracts God’s disfavor.

Reason 4: Call to think eternity (4:13)

There will be no hope for salvation to those who reject Christ. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? We are in a battle to win our souls and those of others for eternity. We will all die some day. The question is whether its death in  Christ or outside Christ. ‘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.’ Christ is the source of eternal hope. That hope generates patience and faith in believers even in the most trying circumstances.

THE TWO SHARP SICKLES FOR REAPING

Reaping is taking place and will take place in a final way.

1) The sharp sickle in the hand of the son of man (14:14, 15)

God works according to time.  Time for reaping saints for eternal life has come (John 4:35; Mathew 9:37). When the time is up the Son of man will come and take the harvest.   The taking up of believers  to be with Christ and for getting their rewards is called the rapture (1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thes 4:16, 17)  ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.’ 1 Cor 15:58 

2) The Sharp sickle in the hand of an angel (14:18)

A time will come when sinners will be harvested for judgment (Rev 19). The decisive moment to bring sinners to judgment comes when nations gather in a valley in opposition to Christ. This confrontation is also referred to as the battle of Armageddon. Christ conquers by the word from his mouth.

  

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa