November 1: CHARACTER AND DISPOSITION
So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Revelation 14:19
The assignment of the angel—to gather—is more about recognition of character and disposition than moving people around to a certain location. The statement in this part of the prophecy should motivate each of us to examine ourselves in the light of God’s standard and wholeheartedly invite His correction. When the command comes to thrust [the angel’s] sickle into the earth, it will be carried out without delay. This command coincides with the announcement of Revelation 22:11 which makes it clear that there is a point of no return, beyond which the character and mindset of each individual, whether righteous or wicked, is not going to change.
The imagery here for the wrath of God is drawn from Isaiah 63:1-6, which emphasizes that God alone deals with sin. He alone is the source of salvation, and His love for people is matched by His hatred of sin because of the destruction, heartache, and separation from Him that it brings. Separation from sin is the only way to be saved, but Scripture reveals that most people will be lost due to their disbelief in this requirement. Those who have the greatest access to God’s word will be the recipients of the severest judgment. Refusal of forgiveness and character transformation is most often rooted in pride or presumption. This is why Peter reminds us: judgment begins at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17, see also Ezekiel 9:6). When Paul addressed the Jews of his day, he stated: “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46) Those with access to His word are to share it with others while they allow it to sanctify themselves!
The grapes that are gathered in the grape harvest are symbolically crushed and trodden underfoot as a fit recompense for trampling upon the message of salvation. God’s perfect plan for dealing with the sin problem should be gratefully received by every sinner. The vine of the earth points us to prevalent sins today that were also prevalent in the day of Moses. A different gospel with a different Jesus is being preached today, but this is nothing new: For their rock is not like our Rock… their wine [doctrine] is the poison of serpents, and the cruel venom of cobras… Vengeance is Mine; and recompense. Their foot shall slip in due time, for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them. Deuteronomy 32:31a,33,35
The wrath of God is aimed directly at sin, that thing which opposes His way of salvation and ushers indescribable harm into our lives. It is sin that causes people to be lost. A synonym for sin is disobedience toward God. Understand that a disposition to make light of sin actually promotes it as “acceptable.” The most dangerous and deadly sin is any sin that remains unconfessed and unforsaken. The great winepress just ahead refers to the seven last plagues (15:1) which will be described in detail in chapter 16 and 17. The advantage of seeing these things ahead of time just may save your life!
“See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:25
For further study: Genesis 49:10; Deuteronomy 32:32; Isaiah 5:5; Lamentations 1:15; Romans 1:5; 12:19; 16:26; Hebrews 10:30; Revelation 14:10