REVELATION 14
THE HARVEST OF GRAIN + HARVEST OF THE VINE
Looking around, John sees the slain Lamb leading the faithful 144,000. John hears a voice from heaven, roaring like the sound of water or loud thunder. The voice sounds like harps, singing a new song before the throne, which only the 144,000 recognize. These 144,000 are redeemed by God, making them pure and truthful.
Continuing the vision, John sees an angel flying directly above him. The angel proclaims the gospel to everyone on Earth, including every nation, tribe, and language. The angel cries out, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Another angel appears, saying that Babylon has fallen. Babylon, who once opposed the Israelites, is an archetype of corrupt and rebellious leadership. By saying that Babylon has fallen, the angel is proclaiming that God has defeated wickedness.
Finally, a third angel appears. This angel declares that anyone with the mark of the beast, the sign of those who worshipped false gods, will experience God’s wrath. Those who worship the beast will experience torment and have no rest.
Believers are called to maintain endurance, keep God’s commandments, and keep their faith in Jesus. John hears a voice from heaven saying that those who die in the Lord are blessed and will have rest.
John sees a man, seated on a white cloud with a golden crown and a sharp sickle. Another angel comes out of the temple, calling for the man to reap the harvest of the Earth.
Then, two more angels appear, one with another sharp sickle. One of the angels calls out, instructing the one with the sickle to collect the grape harvest of the earth. Once they are harvested, the grapes are thrown into the winepress. From the winepress, blood pours and pools.
The grain harvest is representative of God’s people, who He gathered for His purposes. The wine harvest is representative of those who have not repented and trusted in humanity over God. In the end, there are only two options: follow the Lamb or follow the beast.
