Todays selected reading continues in the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. More specifically todays passage is found in the fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of this New Testament book. “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark ,and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest” (Revelation 15:1-4).

 

            “And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: and the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in was opened: and the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled” (Revelation 15:5-8).

 

            “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of wrath of God upon the earth. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:1-2).

 

            “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea” (Revelation 16:3).

 

            “And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments” (Revelation 16:4-7).

 

            “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory” (Revelation 16:9).

 

            “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds” (Revelation 16:10-11).

 

            “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue of Armageddon” (Revelation 16:12-16).

 

            “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, it is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great” (Revelation 16:17-21).

 

            When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the continued vision that is contained within the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to understand the words which are found in the fifteenth and sixteenth chapters of the New Testament prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ I am absolutely convinced we must turn and direct our attention back to the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of this New Testament book. What’s more is I am convinced that for us to truly understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture we have a great need to consider the beast which emerged from midst of the sea as well as the second beast which emerged out of the land. Not only this but if you turn and direct your attention back even further to the words which are found in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book you will find mention of the great red dragon which appeared in heaven as part of a great vision and wonder which the apostle John saw. If you want to truly grasp and comprehend the words and language that is found in the fifteenth chapter of this prophetic book you must needs recognize and understand the following words which are found in this prophetic book beginning with the twelfth chapter. It is in the twelfth chapter where we find the great wrath, wroth and war of the great red dragon. It would be the great red dragon who would appear in heaven seeking to devour the child of the woman who was clothed with the sun, standing on the moon and clothed with twelve stars upon her head. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the first verse of the twelfth chapter:

 

            “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour. Her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days” (Revelation 12:1-6).

 

            Continue reading in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book and you will find the apostle John continuing to look and behold at the events which would transpire after this woman gave birth to a male child who was to rule the nations and after he had been caught up to the throne of God—this despite the best efforts of the great red dragon to utterly and completely destroy him. Here are the words which are found in the next portion of this passage of Scripture beginning with the seventh verse:

 

            “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony: and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Revelation 12:7-12).

 

            It is in the second portion of the twelfth chapter we find the apostle John continuing to look and behold within this vision how after the great red dragon could not devour the male child which was to be born of the woman who was clothed with the sun and the moon at her feet and a crown of twelve stars upon her head there was war which broke out in heaven. Scripture is entirely unclear as to what started this war in heaven and whether or not it was directly and intrinsically connected to what we read in the opening six verses. What we do know, however, is that there was indeed war in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels. What’s more is that there would come a point where the great red dragon and his angels could not prevail against Michael and his angels and as a direct result their place was no longer found in heaven. As a direct result of this the great dragon which is the old serpent called the Devil and Satan which deceived the whole world was cast out into the earth together with his angels. There would be a loud voice which would proclaim in heaven concerning salvation, strength, and the kingdom of God and the power of His Christ having come for the accuser of the brethren was cast down which accused the saints and brethren day and night before the living God. These saints overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death.

 

            As you continue reading in this passage of Scripture, however, you will find this voice which spoke from heaven going on to emphatically declare concerning the inhabitants of the earth a tremendous and great woe for the devil was come down unto them having great wrath because he knows that he has but a short time. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for if you continue reading in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book you will find the vision contained in the midst of the twelfth chapter continuing with additional commentary concerning the great red dragon and that which he sought to accomplish upon the earth. The dragon could not devour the male child which was born unto the woman clothed with the sun with the moon at her feet and twelve stars upon her head and neither could he prevail against Michael and his angels in heaven—despite what might have been their best attempt to conquer and overpower them. Having been cast down to the earth the dragon was filled with wrath and rage because he knows that his time is limited. Essentially the dragon which was that ancient serpent called the Devil and Satan was living in borrowed time knowing that he would not have much time left upon the earth before he would eventually be cast into the bottomless pit where he would abide for one thousand years. Ultimately the dragon would be released from the bottomless pit where he had been imprisoned for one thousand years before eventually and finally being cast into the lake of fire. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the final verses of the twelfth chapter beginning with the thirteenth verse:

 

            “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:13-17).

 

            In these final verses of the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book we find the dragon observing that he was cast unto the earth and proceeded to persecute the woman which brought the man child. Unto this woman, however, were given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness and into her place where she would be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time from the face of the serpent. Insistent on trying to destroy and devour the woman the great red dragon would cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. The earth would help the woman, however, as the earth would open her mouth and swallow up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. Having observed the earth coming to the assistance and help of the woman the dragon was wroth with the woman and would turn and direct his wrath, rage and anger toward the remnant of her seed. The apostle John would continue observing as this vision would continue to unfold and the great red dragon would go out to make war with the remnant of the seed of the woman—those who kept the commandments of God and those who had the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

            What an absolutely and incredible picture is found in the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book and oh how it helps set up the events which we find and read in the thirteenth chapter of this prophetic book. It is in the twelfth chapter where we find the great red dragon seeking to devour the male child which was to be born of the woman clothed with the sun standing on the moon and having twelve stars about her head. The male child which was born of the woman, however, would be caught up to heaven and unto the very throne of God. What we find next is the great red dragon together with his angels fighting and making war in heaven against Michael and his angels. Much to the chagrin, shock and horror of the dragon—not only could they not prevail against Michael and his angels, and not only was their place found any longer in heaven but they would also be cast unto the earth. As a direct result of the dragon being cast to the earth he would be filled with great wrath because he knows that his time is short. What’s more is that when the great red dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth he proceeded to persecute the woman which brought forth the man child only to discover this woman being given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness into her place where she would be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time from the face of the serpent. The serpent would them proceed to cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. The earth would help the woman as it would open its mouth and swallow up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. That which happens next is truly remarkable for it helps set the stage for the words which are found in the thirteenth chapter. In the final verse of the twelfth chapter we find the great red dragon becoming wroth with the woman and going forth within and upon the earth to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God and which have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

            FROM WAR IN HEAVEN TO WAR ON EARTH! WROTH AND WRATH—WAR IN HEAVEN AND WAR IN THE EARTH! Oh that which is present within the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book is incredible unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it for there would be two wars which would be present and manifested within it. There would be the initial war which would break out in heaven between Michael and his angels as well as a second war which would break out within the earth against the remnant of the seed of the woman. It is actually quite unique and astonishing to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and how there would essentially be two great wars on two entirely different fronts. There would be the initial war in heaven which would take place in heaven as the great red dragon would engage Michael and his angels together with his angels. Unfortunately the dragon could not prevail against Michael and his angels and as a direct result of this their place was found no longer in heaven. Oh this is something we must needs recognize and understand for it helps set the stage for how the twelfth chapter would end. It would be in the final verse of the twelfth chapter we find the great red dragon being wroth with the woman. As a direct result of this wrath the great red dragon would go forth within and upon the earth to make war with the remnant of the see of the woman—those which kept the commandments of God and which have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 

            Scripture is entirely and altogether unclear what this war of the dragon against the remnant of the seed of the woman would look like. The twelfth chapter of this prophetic book would conclude with the great red dragon going forth within and upon the earth seeking to make war with and against the remnant of the seed of the woman which were those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for when we come to the thirteenth chapter of this prophetic book we are brought face to face with the emergence of two characters which would rise up within and upon the earth—those who would carry out and fulfill the ambition, the desire and the objective of the great red dragon. The final verse of the twelfth chapter of this prophetic book would conclude with the dragon being wroth with the woman and going forth to make war with the remnant of the seed of the woman which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Having said this I now invite you to consider the following words which are found in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter. It is in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter we find and discover the emergence of the beast which would rise up from the midst of the sea. Consider the following words which are found in the thirteenth chapter beginning with the first verse:

 

            “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindred, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” (Revelation 13:1-10).

 

            The words which we find here in this passage of Scripture are incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about and consider them for it calls and draws our attention to a beast which would emerge from the midst of the sea. After the dragon would go forth into the earth to make war with and against the remnant of the seed of the woman which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ we find a beast emerging from the sea which the dragon would give his power, and his seat, and his great authority. This beast would have a head which was wounded to death and his deadly wound would be healed as all the world would wonder after the beast. As a direct result of this the world would worship the dragon which gave power unto the beast and would worship the beast, saying, “Who is like unto the beast” and “Who is able to make war with him?” Oh please don’t miss this second question which the world would ask concerning the beast for this concept of war would continue to appear within the thirteenth chapter. What would begin with war in heaven between the great red dragon and his angels and Michael and his angels would eventually culminate in the great red dragon going forth within and throughout the earth seeking to make war with the remnant of the seed of the woman. Within the thirteenth chapter of this prophetic book we find how unto the beast was given a mouth which would speak perverse things and blasphemies as power was given him to continue forty and two months. This beast would open his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and those which dwelt in heaven. Not only this but if you continue reading in the thirteenth chapter you will find it written how the beast would carry out the war of the dragon as it was given unto him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. It would be unto the beast power over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations and all which dwelt upon the earth would worship him—those whose names are not written in the book of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

 

            If you continue reading in the thirteenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ you will find it written concerning another beast that would emerge from within and upon the earth. It would be this second beast which would emerge from the earth which would be different from the first beast in that he had two horns like a lamb and he spake as a dragon. This second beast would exercise all the power of the first beast before him and causes the whole earth and those which dwelt therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed. This second beast would do great wonders so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. This second beast would deceive those which dwelt on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast saying to those which dwelt on the earth that they should make an image of the beast which had the wound by a sword and did live. Not only this but we also find this second beast giving life unto the image of the beast that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the second portion of the thirteenth chapter for directly linked to the first beast which emerged from the sea would be the second beast which would emerge from the earth:

 

            “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six” (Revelation 13:11-18).

 

            The words and language we find in this passage of Scripture must needs be recognized and understood for while we find the first beast making war against the saints of God which were present within the earth and while we find all those whose names were not written in the book of life of the Lamb which was slain before the foundation of the world we find the second beast taking this to an entirely different level. It would be this second beast which would exercise all the power of the first beast before him and would cause all the earth and those which dwelt therein to worship the first beast. What’s more is this second beast would do great wonders so that he would make fire to come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of man as well as deceiving them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast. One of the underlying purposes and functions of this second beast is to not only cause the whole earth to worship the first beast but also to cause the whole world to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads. The purpose of this mark is that no man might buy or sell save those which had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for the concepts of the mark of the beast as well as the worship of the beast would be two realities in the last days which would cause much of the world to be deceived and to worship that which is other than the living God. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for when you come to the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book you will find that there would be a remnant of those upon the earth—those who would be clothed in white and who would not worship the image of the beast, nor the beast, nor the dragon who gave the beast his great authority, his seat and his power.

 

            That which we find in the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book must needs be carefully considered for when we come to this chapter we find that although the second beast makes virtually the whole world take the mark in their right hand or in their foreheads that no man might buy or sell save he which has the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name there would indeed be a remnant of those who would neither worship the beast nor take the mark, nor the name of the beast, nor the number of his name. Much like the three Hebrews boys would be a remnant in the land of the Chaldeans who would refuse to worship the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar had set up in the plain of Dura and much like there would be seven thousand during the days of Elijah who would refuse to bend their knee to Baal to bow down and worship and kiss him so also would there be a remnant during the days of the first and second beasts who would neither worship the beast, nor worship the dragon, nor take the mark of the beast, nor the number of his name, nor the name of the beast. At the very heart and center of the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book is an incredibly strong and powerful picture of a remnant which would be found in the last days—in those days of the first and second beast which would be marked by war against the saints, a false worship of the dragon, the first beast and the image of the beast, and a mark which the second beast would require all the world to take upon their right hand or upon their foreheads.

 

            Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ concerning this remnant upon the earth which was not only sealed by the living God but also which would not worship the dragon nor the beast or his image. What’s more is there would be a remnant within and upon the earth who would not take upon their flesh the mark of the beast—either upon their right hands or upon their foreheads. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book beginning with the first and opening verse:

 

            “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I hear da voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God” (Revelation 14:1-5).

 

            That which we find in this passage of Scripture must be carefully considered for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding this remnant which would be present upon the earth during the last days. The apostle John would look and see the Lamb standing upon the mount Sion and with Him would be one-hundred and forty and four thousand having the name of the Father written on their foreheads. What a stark contrast between much of the world which would have the mark of the beast on their right hands or on their foreheads. Within the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters we find much of the world who will take the mark of the beast upon their right hands and foreheads and the one-hundred and forty-four thousand who have the seal of God upon their foreheads. Not only would these one-hundred and forty-four thousand who were sealed in the seventh chapter have upon their foreheads the seal of the Father which was in heaven but they would sing a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts and the elders. These one-hundred and forty-four thousand were those who were redeemed from among men being the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb. Moreover it would be these one-hundred and forty-four thousand in whose mouth there would be found no guile for they were without fault before the throne of God. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and encounter the awesome and wonderful truth concerning a remnant which would be upon the face of the earth that would not take the mark of the beast upon their right hands or upon their foreheads for they were already sealed in their foreheads by the living God. These one-hundred and forty-fourth thousand would sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and before the twenty-four elders which no one else could learn or sing save them. These one hundred and forty-four thousand were those who were redeemed from the earth as the firstfruits unto the living God and unto the Lamb.

 

            If you continue reading the words which are found in the fourteenth you will find a powerful warning and word of caution which was found in the midst of this revelation and vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. That which is present in this passage of Scripture must needs be understood as we come to and approach the fifteenth chapter for what we find here brings us face to face with the dire consequences of taking the mark of the first beast, or his number or his name upon one’s flesh. In the last days it can and will come down to two distinct realities and manifestations among the kindreds, tongues and nations of the earth—worship of the dragon, the beast and the image of the beast and taking the mark of the beast upon one’s right hand and foreheads. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for with this being said is a powerful warning and word of caution which is present within this passage. The more you read the words which are found in the fourteenth chapter the more you will find a tremendous and powerful word of warning and caution to and unto the inhabitants of the earth which would take upon themselves the mark of the beast, or his name or his number. There would be an angel which would appear in heaven issuing a stark and sobering word of warning and caution unto the inhabitants of the earth concerning those who hadn’t yet taken the mark of the beast. In all reality that which we find in this passage of Scripture seems to suggest that when this angel would appear in heaven issuing this stark and powerful warning to the inhabitants of the earth there would indeed be those who would not and had not taken the mark upon their right hands or upon their foreheads.

 

            I am sitting here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about that which is presently taking place within our nation—yea, not even just our nation but the entire world itself. We are presently living in a world that is almost two years into a global pandemic that at one point shut the whole world down. The days in which we are presently living are days in which vaccinations for COVID-19 have been produced and offered unto countless men and women throughout the nations of the world. With this being said, however, it must needs be understood that the are countless companies that are mandating the vaccine for their employees. There are companies that are willing to fire you if you are not willing to comply with the vaccine mandate and take the vaccine. There are certain cities in which the vaccine is not only mandated for private sectors but also where a vaccine passport system is being implemented where you cannot enter into certain establishments—restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, bars and the like—without showing proof of vaccination. Cities such as San Francisco, New York City and recently Boston either have in place or will have in place—not only a vaccine mandate system but will also have in place a vaccine passport system where you can neither “buy or sell” without having this “proof” of vaccination. OH you would have to be incredibly naïve and perhaps even blind to not witness and behold that which is taking place before our very eyes and not see that it is a precursor to the mark of the beast which is mentioned in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is absolutely undeniable and unmistakable when witnessing and beholding that which is taking place within our nation that there is a system being put in place that not only will but is also setting up and priming the world for the mark of the beast. Right now the vaccine has absolutely nothing to do with worship—whether worship of the dragon or worship of the beast—however, what we can be absolutely certain of is that a system is being put in place that has not only caused countless men and women to get this vaccine but also requiring proof of the vaccine within their physical flesh.

 

            With this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in the fourteenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ beginning to read with and from the sixth verse. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic revelation and vision given unto the apostle John by the Lord Jesus Christ and His angel while he was on the isle of Patmos:

 

            “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in. his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:6-13).

 

            Please don’t miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for that which we find within it brings us face to face with the awesome and incredible warning given unto the inhabitants of the earth concerning worshipping the beast, and receiving the mark in his forehead. It is absolutely impossible to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with the awesome and incredible truth of the warning and caution that was given unto the inhabitants of the earth concerning worshipping the beast and taking his mark upon their physical flesh. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the undeniable reality that we as the saints of the living God must diligently hearken unto the voice of the living God and be students of the words which are found in the Word of God. We must needs be those who possess discernment, understanding and wisdom within our hearts and our spirits—particularly and especially in the midst of the days in which we are living. There is clear evidence before us within the world—not only concerning this vaccine but also concerning the system that is being put in place where men and women can neither buy nor sell without proof of the vaccine within their physical bodies and persons. We are living in days right now when men and women cannot and will not be able to enter into establishments without showing this “proof of vaccination” thus further confirming this system which is being put in place as a precursor to that which will come during the days of the beast and the false prophet.

 

            If there is one thing I can’t help but be absolutely convinced about is that not only is the spirit of antichrist absolutely present and prevalent within and upon the earth but so also are we quickly approaching the days of the antichrist and the false prophet being present within and upon the earth. I am absolutely and completely convinced there is a great need for us to pay attention to the events which are taking place before and all around us as the stage is being set for the arrival and emergence of the beast which will emerge from the sea. What’s more is I can’t help but wonder if with everything we see taking place among us right now if the beast is not already present within the earth. Is it possible that with everything we are witnessing and beholding in the midst of the earth the beast who is the antichrist is already present within and upon the earth? We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely tremendous truth surrounding the words and language that is found in the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Within the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we find it written concerning the beast which would emerge from the sea and how the beast and the dragon will be worshipped at the same time by kindreds, tongues and nations of the earth. What’s more is when the second beast emerges from within and upon the earth there will be a system that will be put in place where men and women will be forced to take the mark of the beast upon their right hands or upon their foreheads. What’s more is that there will be countless men and women who will either take the mark of the beast, or the number of the beast or even the name of the beast upon their persons and as a direct result will reserve themselves unto the judgment and wrath of the living God.

 

            Upon coming to the final verses of the fourteenth chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we find the mention of a sickle which would be thrust into the earth. Within the final verses of the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book we find one sitting upon a cloud like unto the Son of man having on his head a golden crown and in his hand a sharp sickle. An angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap for the harvest of the earth is ripe. He that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth and the earth was reaped. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book beginning with the fourteenth verse:

 

            “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped” (Revelation 14:14-16).

 

            “And another angel  came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs” (Revelation 14:17-20).

 

            When you come to the fifteenth chapter of this prophetic book you will find the apostle John seeing another sign in heaven which was great and marvelous for seven angels having the seven last plagues were present and visible. It is with these angels where the wrath of God is filled up—the finality and conclusion of the full measure of the wrath of God which was present upon the face of the earth. The apostle John would continue looking as he would see as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire and those who had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name stand on the sea of glass having the harps of God. This is now the second time we see a group of individuals having the harps of God for in the fourteenth chapter of this prophetic book we see the one-hundred and forty-four thousand who had the seal of God upon their foreheads standing upon the mount Sion with the Lamb. It would be unto these one-hundred and forty-four thousand harps were given as the apostle John saw and beheld them harping before the throne, before the four living creatures and before the twenty and four elders. In the fourteenth chapter we find a remnant of those who were sealed and marked on their foreheads who followed the Lamb whithersoever He went while in the fifteenth chapter we find another remnant which was seen in heaven. This remnant would be one that is incredibly powerful when you take the time to think about it for this remnant was those who gained the victory over the beast, over his image, over his mark and over the number of his name. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ brings us face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding a remnant of men and women in heaven who were given a unique place upon a sea of glass mingled with fire being those who had gained the victory over the beast, over his image, over mark and over his name.

 

            If there is one thing I can’t help but be absolutely convinced about when reading this passage of Scripture it’s just how absolutely incredible it is that there would indeed be a people who would resist and reject the mark of the beast, the image of the beast, the number of the name of the beast and the beast himself. There would be those who would be present in the earth and much like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego who refused to bow down and worship the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar had set up in the plain of Dura would refuse worship of the beast, would refuse taking the mark upon their heads or right hand and would refuse his name and the number of his name. There is going to be a people in the earth during the last days who will be entirely and altogether resistant to worship of the beast and to taking the mark of the beast upon their right hands and foreheads knowing full well what it would mean—namely, death. Oh how absolutely and incredibly powerful it is to think about and consider how there would be a people in the earth who would deliberately and intentionally choose death over worshipping the beast, choose death over worshipping the image of the beast, choose death over taking the mark of the beast, and choosing death over the name and the number of the name of the beast. Facing certain and imminent death for refusing to bow down and worship the image of the beast and for taking the mark they would choose to die rather than place themselves in a position where they would incur the wrath of the living God.

 

As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they bring us face to face with much of what we are witnessing in our present culture and society. If you are paying attention to what is taking place within our culture, within our society and within our nation you will find a number of people who are not only resistant to masks and mask mandates but who are also resistant to the vaccine and the vaccine mandate. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for I am absolutely convinced that what we are witnessing right now is a strong and powerful picture of those who can and will be resistant and hesitant to the mark of the beast, to the number of his name, to the image of the beast and to the beast himself. There is not a doubt in my mind that what we are witnessing and beholding in this present day within our nation is a picture of men and women who when faced with the choice to worship the beast, or worship his image, or take upon their physical bodies the mark of the beast will choose death over incurring the wrath of the living God. With this being said I am convinced there are and there have been countless men and women who blindly followed all that was said about the vaccine and willingly injected themselves with it. There are and there have been countless men and women who have taken the vaccine who can and will take the make of the beast when it is finally present within and upon the earth. There are countless men and women who can and will take the mark of the beast, worship the image of the beast and even worship the beast himself without hesitation and without reservation fearing man, fearing the beast, fearing the second beast and fearing that which they speak of more than the living God. Oh if there is one thing we as the saints of God must needs be absolutely clear on is that we are those who can and will be men and women of discernment—those who like the sons of Issachar understand the times and know what ought to be done. Oh that there would be a generation of the sons of Issachar who not only understand the times and what is taking place but also what they ought to do and what they need to keep themselves from in this present age and in the coming days which lie ahead for us.