Revelation 14:12-20
I’m not sure how many of you have spotted it but the readings for Monday –Wednesday each week reflect on the previous Sunday’s teaching and Thursday and Friday prepare us for the following Sunday. In light of this we have a reading today from possibly the most difficult book of the Bible, Revelation. This book is more often misused than used appropriately for teaching.
The first verses tell us of the belief that God will bring home (safely) His people – saints. They will enjoy the benefits of their labours for the kingdom. From fourteen to the end we have a very definite image of harvesting at the end of time. The image of “one like the son of man” using his sickle to bring in the harvest was prevalent at that time. The image comes from the Book of Daniel and here it is used for the final judgement. Next time you sing, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord” think of this passage – it will help you. The imagery of the grapes and winepress were common in theological circles at the time. Think also of all those expressions throughout scripture of vineyard, vine, grapes etc and you begin to see something of this passage. Not easy but then the Book of the Revelation isn’t.
I’m not sure how many of you have spotted it but the readings for Monday –Wednesday each week reflect on the previous Sunday’s teaching and Thursday and Friday prepare us for the following Sunday. In light of this we have a reading today from possibly the most difficult book of the Bible, Revelation. This book is more often misused than used appropriately for teaching.
The first verses tell us of the belief that God will bring home (safely) His people – saints. They will enjoy the benefits of their labours for the kingdom. From fourteen to the end we have a very definite image of harvesting at the end of time. The image of “one like the son of man” using his sickle to bring in the harvest was prevalent at that time. The image comes from the Book of Daniel and here it is used for the final judgement. Next time you sing, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord” think of this passage – it will help you. The imagery of the grapes and winepress were common in theological circles at the time. Think also of all those expressions throughout scripture of vineyard, vine, grapes etc and you begin to see something of this passage. Not easy but then the Book of the Revelation isn’t.