October 28: HARVEST TIME (part 2)

And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Revelation 14:15

Jesus receives the order to reap from another angel [who] came out of the temple. The Greek word translated temple here is naos, which uniquely refers to the innermost part of the temple, the Most Holy Place. It is distinguished from hieron, which refers to the entire temple complex, including the various courts and grounds. In the gospels, Jesus was regularly found teaching in the hieron (Matthew 26:55, Luke 21:37; John 7:28). This angel, crying with a loud voice, brings the message directly from God to “Thrust in your sickle and reap” — the solemnity of which cannot be overstated.

The location of God’s throne in the heavenly temple, from which the angel came in John’s vision here, is also the location of the judgment taking place right now, as you read this. It is the Judgment Hall. Jesus, our great High Priest, ascended to heaven after His resurrection to minister on behalf of His people on the earth. He moved from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place when the Day of Atonement commenced. Remember that this Day of Atonement is synonymous with the cleansing of the temple, as prophesied by the angel to Daniel: And he said to me [Daniel], “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:14) This is what is meant by the modern phrase pre-advent judgment. Ever since the hand of God tore the earthly temple veil – signifying that the offering of blood sacrifices was at an end – His people have been taught that they are His temple. Oh, beloved, now is the time for you to allow a supernatural cleansing of sin and error from your life! It is a priceless offer to be among the righteous [who] will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father and to be an influence for good in this fallen world while there is still time. He who has ears, let him hear! (Matthew 13:43)

After the time [of] reaping, a day will follow that marks the close of probation. Every person alive on the earth will have decided – one way or the other – and their decisions will be irrevocable (see Revelation 22:11). In the meantime, the goal of every Christian must be to become so settled in the truth that no amount of persuasion from friends, family, church leaders, religious institutions, or political institutions could cause you to be moved away from the truth of God’s word.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:5-8