ESOCS Devotional 21 May 2025 – A Call to the Right Path
MEMORY VERSE: “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.” Revelation 14:7
TEXT: REVELATION 14:1-12
Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
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A call in this sense, is a bid to bring something important to the attention of one or groups. It is also a demand, a summons or a request to fulfil a need or a mission. Here, in this passage an angel with an eternal gospel with a voice that cannot be missed is seen and heard calling all nations to true reverence to the only Creator, the true God of the whole universe. He clearly proclaimed that everyone should fear God, give glory to Him and worship Him. These three things enumerated by the angel have been the basic requirements of the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation. Unfortunately, Israel, the nation chosen to show to the world the true God and how to worship Him, failed God countless times. This earned them punishments of plagues and captivities. They were to partner with God to fulfil His desire of covering the earth with His knowledge.
God’s plan of salvation for mankind through the Messiah was to be made known. This good news was to be made universal. The knowledge of God and the salvation of mankind are to bring the inhabitants of the earth to the point of love and true reverence for God. This is very important. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says the ultimate obligation of humanity is to fear God and keep His commandment. Jesus said time has come for people to begin to worship God in Spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23-24).
The angel made it clear that those who lack the fear of God but choose to live ungodly lifestyle will be punished at the judgement day. Israel’s experiences should teach the world a great lesson. God must be feared, revered and honoured. We have also seen in the scriptures that God uses men to preach His gospel. So, God is still using men to minister the gospel to men in this last days – Peter was released from prison to preach; Philip was asked to join the chariot of the Ethiopian Eunuch; Cornelius was asked to call Peter; and the Macedonian man called Paul in a vision to help them. Today, there are many servants of God preaching the gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus. It will enable you become a true worshipper if you imbibe the principles they preach. An encounter with Jesus will make you walk on the right path.
CHALLENGES
- Have you truly received this eternal gospel of new life in Christ Jesus for salvation?
PRAYER POINT
- Father, help me by the Holy Spirit to have a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ.
FURTHER READING: 1 Samuel 13:13-23; 14:1-24; Revelation 13:10-end
ESOCS Devotional 21 May 2025
