[:en]THE LAMB AND THE 144,000 (vs. 1-5)
This chapter gives a glimpse into the eternity to show the believers what awaits them if they endure. The Lamb is the Messiah. Mount Zion is another name for Jerusalem, the captial of Israel, which is contrasted with the worldly empire. The 144,000 represents believers who had endured persecutions on earth and now ready to enjoy the eternal benefits and blessings of life with God forever. The three angels contrast the destiny of believers with that of unbelievers.
In the Old Testament, idolatry was often protrayed as spiritual adultery. Those people who remained pure symbolically means that they are free from involvement with the pagan world system. They are true believers who followed the Lamb and remained faithful to Christ. Their robes have been washed with the blood of Jesus. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
THE THREE ANGELS (vs. 6-13)
An angel flying in mid-air is prounouncing the coming judgment. A second angel followed announcing the destruction of Babylon – the enemy of God’s people. A third angel followed declaring those who worship the beast and accept his mark on their foreheads and operate according to world economic system will ultimately face God’s judment and drink the wine of God’s wrath. But the saints who obey God’s commandment and remain faithful to Jesus will rest from their labor. They will be blessed and will enjoy everlasting fellowship with Him.
THE HARVEST OF THE EARTH (vs. 14-20)
This is an image of judgment. Christ is separating the faithful from the unfaithful like a farmer harvesting his crops. Grapes were collected and crushed in the winepress. The juice flowed out of a duct that led into a large holding vat. The winepress is often used in the Bible as a symbol of God’s wrath and judgment against sin.
While we are now in the period of grace, let us open the door of our heart to God. Ler us repent and restore our relationship with God. Let us remain faithful trusting God and obeying His commands. Let love, kindnesss and faithfulness be our characater that produce lasting values to eternity.[:]