The Fat Lady Sings (Revelation 14)

"It's not over until the fat lady sings." A well-known saying indicates that nothing is certain until the end is over. In Revelation, chapter 14, God begins his final judgement against all who have rejected Jesus. Jesus, the Lamb of God, will become a mighty worrier Lion. However, in chapter 14, it is all about the Lamb.

I. The Followers of the Lamb

Who are the followers of the Lamb? In verse four and five, they are described as those who have not been defiled, the blameless. They are from every tribe, tongue, and nation. They symbolize the elect, all the followers of God. They are standing on a figurative mountain, Mt. Zion, the city of God. The Lamb is there ready to execute judgement on the earth. The only thing that is necessary to be included in the elect is a professed following of Jesus Christ. However, those who profess, but never follow cannot be included in this group. There can be no spectators. Christ did all the work on the cross. His righteousness, not ours, is all that is needed.

II. The Judgement of the Lamb

The righteous judge will have the last say. For all those who passionately followed the world and the beast, their "reward" is the darkness and torment of hell. Their torment will last "forever and ever." The final warning is issued. "Fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of her immorality." Many more will be led astray than will follow God. For the followers of the beast, reprehension. For the followers of the Lamb, reward.

III. The Reward from the Lamb

Verse 13 tells about the reaping of the earth and the reward of the faithful. An angel declares that the time has come for the wrath of God to reap from the earth those who have not followed him. Many will die without Christ. The blood of the unfaithful will run as high as a horse's bridle for a distance of two hundred miles. However, those who die in the Lord will be rewarded with the blessing of rest. Their deeds for the Lord will be remembered. For the faithful follower, the war with Satan will be over. The fat lady will have sung. No more just barely making it. It is time for rest.

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