Revelation 13-14  John first describes the enemies forces.. two beasts.. the first one coming out of the sea and the second out of the earth.  The first beast was given power from the dragon, Satan.  He was full of blasphemies.. covered with "blasphemous names" and "there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies;"  He will speak against God and against God's people.  He will  "make war with the saints and .. overcome them" He will be given authority "over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.."  But.. only for 42 months... 

The second beast will also be given authority but only in the presence of the first beast.  He will perform signs that will deceive the people who still are on earth.  And he will make an image of the first beast that will be able to breath and speak.  He will be the one to order that all people be given the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. 

In contrast to these to horrible beasts.. chapter 14 reveals the army of the Father, led by the Lamb.. "and I looked and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads."  This group "sang out a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders.. "  We are told that these 144,000 were "purchased from the earth".  

Following the song of the 144,000 .. the angels begin their missions.. The first angel flies across the heavens preaching the gospel.  The second angel pronounces the fall of Babylon. The third angel pronounces the judgement against all who took the mark of the beast.  Another angel calls for the reaping of the harvest of the earth.  A second harvest is then completed.. this one "from the vine".. the "grapes of wrath" as it were.. are thrown to the earth  and "blood came out from the wine press.."  

In all of this we are reminded of God's promise to those who persevere in faith.. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on! Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them." 

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name!  We know that the blasphemer will be destroyed in due time.. and we thank You for that. Help us, Lord, to be steadfast and faithful to the end of our lives.. no matter what the enemy throws at us.  Fill us with the beauty of Your truth.. that we might also sing the songs of worship before the throne.  Let the gospel of Jesus Christ be preached "to every nation and tribe and tongue and people" today.. because the judgement of God is coming... let the harvest of righteous souls be greater... Fill us with Your Spirit and guide us in Your ways we pray, that the name of Jesus be magnified in all the earth..  Amen.