Bible Pathways - December 28, 2005

December 28, 2005

In Today's Reading:

The Lamb; messages of the three angels; harvest of the earth; preparation for the seven vials (bowls) of wrath

In the midst of world chaos, John is led to report good news: I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's Name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts (living creatures), and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb (Revelation 14:1-4). The Lamb is the triumphant Christ standing on Mount Sion, the location of His Temple. His sheep, whom Satan cannot deceive, were the undefiled and redeemed from among men.

Here is the patience (endurance) of the saints (Christians): here are they that keep (obey) the Commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed (Divinely favored) 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 (14:12-13).

The dead which die in the Lord can only mean the Christians for whom Jesus prayed: They have kept Thy Word. . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth (John 17:6,16-17). Such are believers who take up Jesus' cross of daily self-denial (Luke 9:23) and truly serve the Lord. Those of the world who are not saved would have nothing in common with Christians praising the Lord with much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God (Revelation 19:1).

Word Studies:

14:5 no guile = no lie or deception; 15:7 vials = bowls or cups.

Cross References:

For Revelation 14:7: See Psalm 146:6; Nehemiah 9:6. Revelation 14:8: See Isaiah 21:9. Revelation 14:10: See Jeremiah 25:15; Genesis 19:24; Psalm 75:8; Ezekiel 38:22. Revelation 14:15: See Jeremiah 51:33; Joel 3:13. Revelation 15:1: See Leviticus 26:21. Revelation 15:4: See Leviticus 11:44; Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 66:23; Jeremiah 10:7. Revelation 15:8: See I Kings 8:10-11.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Corliss Sellers and Abe & Amanda Gingerich · Staff: Rebecca Hooper · Government Officials: Rep. Spencer Bachus (AL), Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA), Sen. Tim Johnson (SD), and Rep. Jim McDermott (WA) · Country: Cape Verde (405,000) 15 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 390 miles off the coast of Africa · Major languages: Portuguese and Crioulo · Religious freedom · 91% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His love (Psalm 63:3).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 John 3:3