On Your Mark…
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On Your Mark…
1. Revelation as a Trailer to the End
Have you ever watched a movie trailer that stirred deep excitement? Revelation functions similarly. It's not a full story yet, but a glimpse that awakens curiosity, passion, and anticipation. John uses vivid, theatrical imagery to draw us into God’s grand finale. Just as a trailer compels you to learn more, Revelation stirs us to fix our lives around God’s coming Kingdom. The book is apocalyptic but also artistic—filled with symbols, numbers, and drama designed to stir a dramatic response in our hearts.
2. Jesus Is Coming Again
Revelation 14 follows the chaos of Revelation 13, where the Antichrist and the false prophet rise up. Amid that horror, chapter 14 begins by reminding us of the hope: Jesus is coming. This interlude is meant to sustain the faithful. In the midst of tribulation, John pauses to say, "Remember the Lamb."
3. The 144,000 and the Mark of God
John sees the Lamb (Jesus) standing on Mount Zion with 144,000 who have His name and the Father’s name on their foreheads. This number, previously introduced in chapter 7, is likely symbolic. Rather than a literal headcount, it represents the totality of believers throughout time. The repetition of hearing and seeing in Revelation mirrors how John hears one thing but sees another, often both describing the same truth. In chapter 5, he hears of a lion but sees a lamb. In chapter 7, he hears of 144,000 but sees a multitude from every nation.
Their foreheads bear God's name—a contrast to the mark of the beast in chapter 13. Revelation paints a black-and-white image: you're either marked by God or by Satan. This echoes Deuteronomy 6, the Shama, where God instructs His people to bind His commands to their foreheads and hands. It's metaphorical, but it expresses this truth: what we think and what we do should be rooted in God. Compartmentalized Christianity misses the point. Our faith is not one slice of life. It is the defining characteristic of who we are.
4. Singing a New Song
Revelation 14 describes the 144,000 singing a new song—a song no one else could learn. This concept of a "new song" appears often in the Psalms, and it's always tied to God's deliverance. Psalm 96, 98, and 144 all tie a new song to God's mighty acts of rescue. In eternity, our experience of God's salvation will be so new and glorious that only a new song will do.
God wants your life to become a song. Everything you've endured will become worth singing about. The greater your view of Jesus, the louder your worship will be. If you don’t feel like singing today, that’s okay—Jesus is in the transformation business. He gives rest, peace, healing, and hope. He turns your pain into praise. Eternal life begins today, and with it, the song begins now.
5. The Three Angels and the Gospel Invitation
Revelation 14 presents three angels:
Angel 1: Proclaiming the Eternal Gospel
The first angel proclaims the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people. This is the only time in Scripture where an angel is used to preach the gospel. God wants everyone to have a final, unmistakable chance to turn to Him, even in the darkest hour. This act reveals God's heart: He is always giving second chances. Even in tribulation, His love reaches out.
Angel 2: Declaring Babylon's Fall
The second angel declares the fall of Babylon, a symbol of the corrupt Antichrist system—economic, political, and spiritual. Babylon represents all ungodly systems throughout history, from ancient empires to modern institutions. Though powerful now, Babylon will fall. That is certain.
Angel 3: Warning Against the Beast
The third angel gives a stark warning: those who worship the beast and take its mark will face eternal torment. This is sobering. For those who choose team Satan over team Jesus, the consequence is not temporary discomfort but eternal judgment. This isn’t scare tactics; it’s truth. Revelation 14 is meant to awaken us to the seriousness of our choices.
6. A Final Preview of Judgment
Verses 19 and 20 preview the battle of Armageddon, where the nations aligned with the Beast gather against God. The imagery is vivid—grapes thrown into a winepress, blood rising high, spreading over a great distance. Some take this literally; others see symbolic meaning. Either way, it communicates this truth: sin has consequences. The wrath of God is real.
But there's a powerful detail: the judgment occurs outside the city. Hebrews 13:12 says Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through His blood. You can be trampled in judgment outside the city, or you can be redeemed by the blood Jesus shed outside the city. There is a way out—but you must take it.
7. Choose Today Whom You Will Serve
There are only two sides in Revelation: team Jesus or team Satan. And each person must choose. The good news is that Jesus offers a way out from judgment. Romans 6:23 tells us the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus is not just offering rescue from the future wrath to come; He’s offering rescue from your present burdens—your anxiety, your guilt, your fear of death. He offers new beginnings, right now. Eternal life starts today.
If you are not yet a Christian, today is the day. You can pray. You can receive forgiveness. You can begin again.
And if you already follow Christ, let this chapter remind you: even when life is hard, keep going. Keep worshiping. Keep singing. Keep choosing Jesus. Because He’s already chosen you.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Steve Pink
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: On Your Mark…
Date: Jun 9, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 14:1
Deuteronomy 6:4–7
Psalm 96:1
Psalm 98:1
Psalm 144:9
Hebrews 13:12
Romans 6:23
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