September 19: WORSHIP AND OBEDIENCE

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-10

A loud voice denotes urgency! Because of our corrupted nature, an urgent voice is necessary to help us “hear” this important warning. Remember that angel is simply the word for messenger. There are heavenly messengers, like the one quoted here. But the three heavenly angels seen in John’s vision of Revelation 14 are not, as some teach, coming in the future to supernaturally write these messages in the sky, like a sky-writing airplane. These truths were revealed to John the Revelator for God’s last-day people to share with the world: a faithful message of true safety and spiritual security. God’s people are entrusted with this urgent last-day warning of a universal test that will confront all people on earth.

Everyone will be given the opportunity to make a decision to support – or oppose – the beast and his image. There are no “neutral zones” or “gray areas” – only two camps. Following the plea to worship the Creator (v.7), and the announcement that this world’s Babylonian system is not going to accept correction (v.8 – see also Jeremiah 51:9), the third angel’s message spells out God’s final appeal to mankind. The central topic coming before all is the issue of worship.

Notice the word and in the phrase the beast and his image. A day is soon coming when the two will operate in tandem. The Bible is telling us that worship/obedience/service to the beast equals worship/obedience/service to his image. During the Dark Ages (historically bookended by events of AD538 and AD1798) and the Reformation (which isn’t over until Jesus comes), God has consistently maintained a faithful remnant. This is in keeping with the unbroken line of faithful ones woven throughout the Old Testament. The plan of salvation has been the same since before the dawn of our world’s creation. “For I am the LORD, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6).

Although it is important to understand who the beast is, it is more important to understand the connection between worship and obedience. Obedience to our unchanging Father in heaven is an essential part of true worship. The Lord values a loving heart that bows to His instructions over external ceremony.

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Walk in all His ways (Deuteronomy 10:12).  

Dig deeper: Deuteronomy 28:1; Psalm 19:7-14; Ecclesiastes 5:1; 12:13; Micah 6:8; Matthew 7:21; Luke 8:25; John 14:15; 15:14; Acts 4:19; 5:29, 32; Romans 6:16; 12:1; 16:26; Philippians 2:12; Hebrews 3:18; 5:9; 11:8;  James 1:22; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:17; Revelation 22:14