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Three Angels of God’s Mercy

Scripture reading for December 18: Revelation 14

“And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.” Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Revelation 14:9-12

Following John’s vision of the beasts and the mark of the beast received by those deceived by the false prophet and antichrist, John saw three angels, each bearing a message of invitation or warning. The first angel preached an eternal Gospel to all people still dwelling on the earth. He invited all to fear God and give Him glory and worship Him as Creator and Lord. (Revelation 14:6-7) The second angel followed warning or declaring the fall of Babylon the great, the humanistic world system exalting man, rebellion, and sexual immorality. (Revelation 14:8)

The third angel warned all of earth’s inhabitants of the coming judgment and wrath of God on those made in His image who have received the beast’s mark on their forehead or right hand. This angel told of torment by smoke and sulfur viewed by the Lamb and holy angels. He warned that this torment would last ‘forever and ever!’ This passage shows the mercy of our Lord giving all a final chance to repent of their idolatry, sexual immorality, greed and theft, and violence and murder. God truly does nothing by judgment unless He warns His people by the prophets and in this case angels. (Amos 3:7)

Have you received the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? As others look at how you live your life, would your decision to either repent and follow Jesus or live for yourself be easy to discern? Do you think that you have the seal of belonging to Jesus imprinted on your forehead?

Prayer: Father God, I humbly renew my acceptance of Your amazing invitation to honor You by repentance and faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and form Your heart and mind in me today afresh. May I declare Your invitation and broadcast warning to all You send me to. Amen.

The Mark of the Beast

Scripture reading for December 17: Revelation 13

“Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Revelation 13:11-17

Much has been made of this passage concerning the beasts that arise from earth’s ‘sea’ of mankind in the last days. These ‘beasts’ are men made in God’s image but indwelt by Satan to fulfil the final purposes of God. The first beast was empowered by the dragon and had characteristics of a leopard, bear, and a lion. These beasts remind us of Daniel’s visions and the great kings who conquered the world through humanist power and ruled by occultic practices. (Daniel 7:1-8) But this beast has a fatal wound that has been healed and is the final world ruler of Satan’s rebellion and know as antichrist. (Revelation 13:1-10)

John describes a second beast who worked to bring worship to the first beast known also as the false prophet. This ‘beast’ would look like a lamb, obviously a counterfeit of Jesus Christ. However, when this beast spoke, it sounded like the dragon. This beast was allowed to do signs that would deceive those on the earth into idolatry, immorality, and ultimately receiving a mark on their right hand or forehead. The mark, 666, is the number of the antichrist’s name found on those rejecting Jesus Christ and serving the antichrist in false worship.

Does the use of the descriptions of these end-time beasts help you in understanding God’s plan? How is the worship of the beast being manifested in today’s world? What is the significance of the mark of the beast on right hands or foreheads?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I testify that You Alone are the Lamb of God Who shed blood for my forgiveness and salvation. Mark me with Your Holy Spirit that the work of my hands and the meditation of my mind and heart might please You. Amen.

Satan, Thrown Down to Earth

Scripture reading for December 16: Revelation 12

“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:7-11

By faith in God’s Word, we know that events on earth are tied to events in heaven. There is an invisible world that is more real than the physical world we can see and touch. John got to observe the war that was taking place in heaven. Michael, the Archangel assigned to Israel, was fighting against the dragon known as Satan. That great dragon was thrown down out of heaven to the earth in defeat and shame. He was noted to be the deceiver of the whole world and his fallen angels, now demons, who had rebelled with him were thrown down too. Those unsaved left on earth at that time would experience great woe because of the devil’s wrath against God and those made in His image.

But there was a great declaration of victory coming from a loud voice in heaven. The announcement that Satan had been thrown down and would no longer bring accusation against God’s people was great news. The loud voice declared the kingdom and power and salvation of Christ was now ushered in. Those who had suffered under Satan’s accusations and deception but had trusted in Christ’s shed blood and maintained their testimony of faith were overcomers! Even those who had been martyred for their faith were now alive and rejoicing at heaven’s victory through Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:12)

Have you experienced this war between Satan and those made in God’s image? How does any human being participate in this victory? Have you trusted in the ‘blood of the Lamb’ and stated that publicly?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing victory for Your people through the shed blood of Your own Son. We believe on Jesus, the Christ, and by faith enter that kingdom and receive His power through the infilling of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses who willingly give that others may know. Amen.

The Two Witnesses!

Scripture reading for December 15: Revelation 11

“”. . And I will grant authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. They have the power to shut up the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire. And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages ad nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth. But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.” (Revelation 11:3-12)

I recorded a larger portion of this because it was so interesting. Considering the two witnesses, the church fathers likened them to Moses and Elijah, the lawgiver and the prophet. These witnesses are also tied to Christ’s Church, which was given the calling to be His witnesses on earth. They were anointed with the oil of the Holy Spirit, being empowered by God like the ‘two olive trees’. They were likened to lampstands, shining in the darkness revealing the light of Christ Jesus. These two witnesses, when finished with their called ministry, were killed for their faith. Their bodies were let lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days while people rejoiced. Then God raised them up and called them to heaven. A cloud of glory received them as the mockers watched.

How does the prophesy of these two witnesses help you to understand the spiritual war going on today? Why would people rejoice over godly people dying? What other event of Scripture comes to mind?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the example of these two witnesses and the courage that they demonstrate because of faith in Jesus Christ. I wait in hope to hear “Come up here!” Amen.

No More Delay!

Scripture reading for December 12: Revelation 10

“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire. He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and swore by Him Who lives forever and ever, Who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as He announced to His servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:1-7

John saw another angel of majestic power with a little scroll open in his hand. This angel called out over the earth and sea, sounding like a lion roaring. Answering his call, seven thunders rumbled out and evidently John understood what message they were conveying. But God spoke from heaven telling him to seal up what he had heard. He was not to write it out. There are some mysteries that God has hidden until the proper time comes for their understanding. God’s infinite knowledge is shared with man as needed and sought out.

God never does anything in judgment except He warns His people through His prophets. (Amos 3:6-7) He always gives mankind time to repent and to make necessary changes. He is patient towards us, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) But John was told that the time for delay was past. What God had warned of through His prophets was now at hand. The mystery of God’s mercy and justice would soon be fully revealed and prophetic words fulfilled by God Who is true to His Word. The seventh trumpet would sound across earth and heaven.

Does the message of the seven thunders make you want to seek out God and His Word for answers? When there are delays that make it seem like God is distant or out of touch, how do you keep yourself and your own soul in the rest of faith?

Prayer: Father, watch over me and my family, and keep us in faith trusting Your amazing Word. Reveal to us daily truth and understanding of the signs and the times that we might be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Third of Mankind Dies

Scripture reading for December 11: Revelation 9

“Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind.” The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lion’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.” Revelation 9:13-18

John was describing the things to come as they were showed him by God as he was caught up to heaven and shown visions of the future. God’s plans are set in heaven and nothing or no one can stop or change His will. God knows everything, even the end from the beginning! God is all-powerful and controls all authority in heaven and on the earth.

John had observed the Lamb opening the seven seals on the scroll taken from God’s hand. As the seventh seal was opened, John saw the seven angels with seven trumpets preparing to sound. Now the sixth angel sounded his trumpet and a command was given to release the four angels bound at the river Euphrates. These rebellious angels were now set free at the appointed hour, day, month and year assigned by God. Their mission was judgment on the rebellious of earth by killing one third of mankind. Fire, smoke, and sulfur coming from the strange ‘horses’ ridden by this army eliminated one of every three people on earth. This was an act of mercy by God to spare some. It is to be noted, that those left after this great slaughter refused to repent of their evil deeds of sexual immorality, theft, murder, or idolatry. (Revelation 9:20-21)

How does this vision expand your understanding of God’s justice and mercy? Why didn’t those surviving this terrible judgment repent of their evil deeds? How would you explain how a God of love and mercy could still send these terrible judgments on those made in His image?

Prayer: Father God, have mercy on those rebellious still on earth. I know that You desire that none perish and all come to repentance and life. Thank You for offering mercy through Jesus Christ. I also recognize Your holiness and justice punishing all who refuse Your free gift of mercy and forgiveness. Hide me in Your Son from the coming wrath. Amen.

Powerful Prayers

Scripture reading for December 10: Revelation 8

“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.” Revelation 8:1-5

Often people wonder if their prayers are heard or answered by God. Prayer is an act of faith coming from a belief that God is alive and actively concerned about each person and their needs. God has told His people that when they call on Him in the times of trouble they honor Him and He will deliver them. (Psalm 50:15) Jesus Christ spent time each day in prayer with His Father, often all night! Jesus urged His disciples to pray, asking the Father in His Name for their needs and promised answers. (John 16:23-24)

As John was in heaven observing Jesus Christ open the seventh seal on the Father’s scroll, he faced a period of silence lasting about half an hour. It was as if all heaven stood at attention as the Lamb revealed the contents of the scroll and the judgments coming soon. Seven angels with seven trumpets stood ready before the throne. Another angel stood at the golden altar with a golden censer. This angel was given incense to offer with the prayers of the saints. God received the prayers as the sweet smell of incense. In response, the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and hurled it on the earth. Fireworks resulted resembling a great thunderstorm with lightning and thunder and a great earthquake.

How does your view of prayer and its effects get shaped through this picture shown to John? Will you pray powerful prayers that move heaven to shake the earth on behalf of believers or the lost?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for hearing and answering prayers of Your people. Increase my faith to pray even more powerful prayers that shake the heavens and the earth as You send forth the answers. Shake up my children and grandchildren to fulfil Your calling. Shake up my lost friends and neighbors with heaven’s lightning and thunder. Amen!

Sheltered by the Lamb

Scripture reading for December 9: Revelation 7

“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And He said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He Who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:13-17

John had just been shown a vision of four angels standing at the four corners of the earth and holding back the wind. He saw another angel ascending from the rising sun holding the seal of the living God and to him was assigned the sealing of the servants of God on their foreheads. He sealed 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. Right after this vision, John looked and saw a great multitude from every tribe and nation on earth assembled before God’s throne and dressed in white robes with palm branches. They were worshiping the Father and the Lamb. (Revelation 7:1-12)

The elder revealed to John that these were martyrs who were killed during the great tribulation. The were alive in God’s presence and crying out in worship and thanksgiving. Their white robes were provided by their faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood. Jesus Christ was also their Shepherd. His protection was now over them eternally. What an amazing vision of heaven’s reality for us all to share with those still in darkness!

As you read this account of worship in heaven around God’s throne, what are your thoughts about those now suffering martyrdom for their faith around the world? What promises of Jesus Christ as your Shepherd help you most in forming a world view of God’s coming kingdom?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for showing us the end reward of those trusting in Jesus, even through persecution and possible martyrdom. Use me to proclaim these truths to my family and friends. Reveal Jesus Christ as the Great Shepherd Who can save and protect His people forever. Amen.

The Sealed Scroll

Scripture reading for December 5: Revelation 5

“Then I saw in the right hand of Him Who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:1-5

John was in the Spirit in heaven beholding the activities around the throne of God and Jesus Christ. God, the Father, was holding in His right hand a scroll sealed with seven seals. This scroll represented the will of God and the coming events that must take place after this. A ‘mighty angel’ cried out concerning who was worthy to open this scroll and reveal its contents. A search was made, and no one was found among the angels, saints in heaven, saints on earth or those awaiting the judgment. John wept loudly because of the inability of anyone to open this scroll.

But one of the twenty-four elders who were also seated on twenty-four thrones spoke to John to comfort him in his weeping. He pointed out that the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’ and ‘Root of David’ had conquered and was there to open this amazing scroll and break its seven seals. As John looked towards the throne again, he beheld a Lamb standing, with the marks of being slain. (Revelation 5:6) This was Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, Who Alone had conquered sin, death, hell and the grave. The marks of sacrifice were still visible on His Glorified Body. He had endured the shame of mankind’s sins and paid the penalty of death in their place. He was a Lion of Judah, of the kingly line of David Who was worthy to reveal and oversee the will of His Father on earth as in heaven!

As you think about all the people who have ever lived and are alive now, do you know anyone who might be worthy to carry out God’s will on earth by sitting on heaven’s throne? Why do you think one of the twenty-four elders revealed to John the One Who alone was worthy?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing the ‘Lamb of God’ for the perfect and only true sacrifice for our sins. I am humbled to know that You have revealed this to me and all who believe through grace. I will sing with those around the throne “Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain!” Amen!