When I read the Revelation I am faced with a dilemma. I grew up believing that the church would be raptured away before the tribulation and the mark of the beast, etc. But this chapter has me doubting that.
Before I discuss that in particular, let’s linger for a moment on the first paragraph. This is a picture of God victorious standing on the temple mount with every single one of the people who had His mark (His name) inscribed on them. It’s a testimony to all ages that those who belong to Jesus Christ cannot suffer eternal harm from evil. God is able! Sure, there will be persecution, just as there has been for thousands of years and saints of God will die…some will die horrible deaths. But that’s the point here…if we look only at the present circumstances, how are we to know that God is in control? The godly and ungodly perish together. At times it seems as if the ungodly are actually winning. In those times we have this glimpse of the future to gaze upon and remember that God is in control. If evil has any influence on us at all, it’s only because God permits it for a short time to further magnify His glory. Those who bear the name of Christ will one day stand victorious with Him, just as these 144,000 literally stand victorious, so shall we all. Read verses 9-12 again. This is a contrast between two powers: the power of God and the power of evil. Those who are marked by God are not harmed and stand victorious with Him. Those who receive the devil’s mark are defeated and thrown into the lake of fire. God is telling the earth that they have a choice to make. You would think that anyone with half a brain would choose life, but for some reason people will willingly select the mark of the beast. I think it’s because of unbelief and lack of Christian education.
In verse 6 we see an angel saying that the earth should give glory to God and worship Him. Those actions can only be taken if the Holy Spirit is present to cause/allow it to happen, therefore the Spirit of God has not yet been taken from the earth. That leads me to believe that Christians have not yet been taken from the earth. For instance, verse 12 talks about God’s people being patient. So God’s people are here when the mark is being offered. Verse 13 says that those who die “from now on” are blessed of God. Clearly, Christians are here.
Now, you may say to yourself “Self, I believe that those who are here are the ones “left behind” after the rapture.” Well, hang on because this is going to come as a shock.
There are two “harvests” listed between verse 14 and 20. Who is harvested in the first collection isn’t listed, but in the second one we understand that it is a reference to the battle of Armageddon. If the wicked people have already been harvested, who are the saints that remain behind fighting against? Themselves? I doubt it. It must be that the saints are harvested in the first sweep of the sickle, and then the battle of Armageddon is waged. (Revelation 16:16)
By the way, don’t look for the name “Armageddon” on the map, it isn’t there. It is most likely a reference to “Har Meggido”, a small hill that overlooks an enormous flat plain in northern Israel. From this hilltop you can see for miles…I know, I’ve stood there. It’s also the location of many key battles throughout history.
How then should we live? If we are to remain here for part or all of the tribulation, we should prepare, become mature and grounded in our faith so that nothing can move us. We should train our children to be the same, so that we can enjoy their company in eternity as well. If we don’t then the consequences are dire.
Musing,
PR