Is it possible that many faith communities read Revelation 14: 6-13 in a similar light? And in doing so, have believers assumed that since the happenings recorded by John appear to be either historic events or those of a prophetic nature, they pose no present danger for us, thus no need for action on our part? Perhaps, that explains why many in the household of faith are dismissive of the three angels, and their messages, introduced to us in chapter fourteen of Revelation.
John writes of angels flying, Babylon falling and individuals being in receipt of the mark of the beast. The narrative suggests action in the past, that will spill over at some point into the future. Either case portends events that may be construed as having no direct bearing on our present day. This leaves the references to signify a meaning that embraces either the past, the future, or both, without a present-day application. As a result, misinformed faith accepts the aging prophet not at his word, but as a George Lucas styled screenwriter. The net result being that the dire warnings of judgment in Revelation fourteen are treated as merely a reiteration of the words, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”
Therefore, we’re protected by both time and distance. We have nothing to fear, because John’s pen was merely bringing us up to speed on the cosmic conflict being waged between the forces of our Righteous God and the minions of the wicked adversary.
However, may I suggest that we misread the passage at our own peril. It’s true that a surface reading of John’s prophecy can contribute to a misunderstanding of humanity’s proximity and time involvement in the actions and warnings described in Revelation Chapter Fourteen. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that the Biblical references to historical characters, kingdoms, and events: whether angels, Heaven, Babylon, or judgment, while they were written in the past, were written to provide landmarks for humanity’s journey to a glorious future that lies ahead for believers as we march to the kingdom. The words and the imagery are at once historic and prophetic. They are the past and the future, book-ending the present for God’s people. They provide context, and meaning for believers, today, as we review antiquity and look toward tomorrow’s eternity with the King of Glory. The Word of God provides the information we need to prepare our loved ones and ourselves for events that are even now coming to fruition.
Whenever we see the word angel in the Bible, it is not necessarily a reference to a being come down from heaven. Nor does use of the word angel always denote a six-winged Seraph or a two-winged cherub. The word, angel, is translated from the word, “angelos.” Joseph Benson in his Commentary on the Old and New Testament1, reminds us that the word “angelos” simply means a powerful messenger from the Lord. This messenger might be either angelic or human.
This angel, therefore, possesses a prophetic identity. This is a powerful messenger, from the Almighty, whose wings denote swiftness. A swiftness employed to transit the sky world-wide, carrying the everlasting gospel to every nation, tribe, tongue and people.
A second messenger arrives with news that “Babylon is fallen.” Considerable scholarly debate swirls around the identity of this Babylon. A debate to be picked up at another time. Suffice it to say that things don’t end well for Babylon the second time around.
Then the appearance of a third angel. This messenger presents a divine pronouncement containing explicit cautions against receiving the “mark of the beast.”
But, those messengers and their messages are ignored by many faith communities, because they think John’s prophetic voice is anchored in the past; or, is pointing to the future. Therefore, we, in this present age have nothing to be concerned about.
Therein lies the danger.
Rejection of the three angels and their messages becomes perilous, because by default those who do so, also ignore the gravity of the messages and the time frame provided by heaven.
Becoming aware of the first angel’s message should have set off alarm bells. This is not a narrative from “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” The messenger’s call is that we are “to fear God and give glory to Him. For the hour of His judgement is come.”
From the moment John on Patmos saw the first angel in vision, the clock began ticking. Time is winding down for this earth and its inhabitants. The judgment hour message John presents to us is a warning that end time events have been set in motion. Soon, now, He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.
Among believers, there are those who would set the three angels and their messages on the shelf as either a historical token or a reminder of a future event. Regrettably they are neither. The three angels are speaking to this generation. Their messages are part of an end time- judgment hour call to repentance, today. For anyone who would accept that the events of Revelation 14 are distant occurrences past or future, might I suggest that when the lens through which we view the action is prophecy. And once the specific era and precise identity of the characters are clarified the relevant Scripture takes on a new look.
It might well be labeled like the passenger side mirror on cars, today, where we find the words, “Objects in Mirror are Closer Than They Appear.” Because here’s the truth: The events prophesied by John on Patmos are a lot closer than a casual reading of the Bible would lead them to appear.
- Benson Commentary – Bible Hub https://biblehub.com › commentaries › benson
- Barnes, Albert. “Commentary on Revelation 14”. “Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/revelation-14.html. 1870.