“The Grapes of Wrath” (Revelation 14:12-20)

What this episode covers

The Grapes of Wrath (Rev. 14:12-20) In his novel The Grapes of Wrath Steinbeck brilliantly portrayed the consequences of the suffering people endured during the Dust Bowl migration. Their suffering was building in them a fury of wrath that would eventually explode. Essentially, he was suggesting that anger and hatred are the natural byproduct of oppressive experiences. He certainly has a point. However, one thing is clear, he was not using the metaphor in the same way that Scripture used it. He got the concept of ripened grapes and wrath from this passage. But what caused those grapes to ripen was not oppression. It is the rebellion of creation against the Creator that has hastened the arrival of the final harvest. And the wrath that is about to be unleashed is not the anger of men, but of God. This comes at the close of another cycle that has covered the whole “Gospel Age”. Seven Churches (1-3) Call to Persevere Seven Seals (4-7) depiction of final judgment (6:15-17) Seven Trumpets (8-11) depiction of final judgment (11:18) Spiritual Conflict (12-14) depiction of final judgment (14:17-20) The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet have successfully promoted a counterfeit worship that has been gathering more and more people, and ripening fast for the day of the great harvest. But, before we get to that final section, I’m going to cover verses 12-13 since I didn’t get to those in last week’s sermon. It is structurally part of the previous section beginning in verse 6 regarding the comfort of the gospel. Read Rev. 14:12-20 A Promise of Blessing (12-13) After hearing about the terrifying reality that awaits those who worship the beast, the vision transitions to the eternal reward of all true believers. Those who refuse to worship the beast, but worship God through Christ share in his inheritance. The saints are called to endure in their Christian faith (12). They are the saints who keep the commandments of God because they have been given the Spirit of God who enables them to honor God in their lives. This vision of the coming judgment of unbelievers helps saints to persevere. In due time they will see God’s name vindicated and enter into their own rest. John was commanded to write down the blessing of dying in the Lord (13). Dying in the Lord is a blessing because it brings rest and reward. Rather than experiencing everlasting torment and restlessness, saints enter into their everlasting joy and rest. Rest is related to “their labors” which is also connected to “their deeds”. They will finally enjoy true rest. Those activities which exhaust them now, are no longer required in heaven. Endurance will be unnecessary! They have fought the good fight! They have finished the race! They have kept the faith! They have received the crown of life! But what does the Spirit mean by “their deeds follow them”? This is connected to their enjoyment of rest. This seems to indicate a variety of rewards based upon our good works. Our works in no way merit salvation. Only the finished work of Christ can satisfy the righteous demands of the law. And no one will be unsatisfied with their rewards, as if they could be envious of the brightness of their peers. Phillips Our works earn not the reward of eternal life, but rather rewards in eternal life. These are the treasures of heaven that we should be living for rather than the decaying treasures of this world (Matt. 6:20). While all believers will shine like stars in glory, some stars will shine brighter (1 Cor. 15:41-42). Jesus’ parables speak of varying levels of rewards (Matt. 25:21; Lk. 19:12-19). There is a personal reward for personal labor that is given in unequal measures to all the elect (1 Cor. 3:8). Everyone will stand before the judgment seat of God (2 Cor. 5:10). Anyone whose work survives God’s fire test will receive a reward and those whose work is burned up will still be saved, “but only as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:14). We experience encouragement, comfort, and peace in life because

Distinct summary based on available episode metadata or transcript content.