Just when it seems that the Antichrist has triumphed in his war against the saints, the tables turn. Jesus now appears and He will personally champion the remaining remnant. Could you imagine the glorious beholding of such a day. 

“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.” (v1)

This remnant will have a unique experience and a unique song of praise to sing. 

“And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” (v3)

This new song will be special indeed. It will be born in the hearts of a Jewish people returned to their standing with the God of Abraham by realizing that Jesus is “ The way, The Truth, and The Life”. I like Spurgeon’s comments about this song:

“Heaven is not the place to learn that song; it must be learned on the earth. You must learn here the notes of free grace and dying love; and when you have mastered their melody, you will be able to offer to the Lord the tribute of a grateful heart, even in heaven, and blend it with the harmonies eternal.” (Spurgeon)

In very dark and I imagine frightening times of great pressure and evil persuasion, these souls will remain steadfast in their dedication to God. They will be loyal followers of Jesus. 

“These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.” (v4)

The end of this chapter tells of the day of reckoning. God has been so patient with giving mankind opportunity to choose their final destinies. Even at the end, he makes sure His Truth is proclaimed to all. “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”” (v6-7)

But, the day of judgement must come. There must be an end to the destructive forces of evil in order for man to live in eternal peace. There will be 2 reapings. God will harvest the good fruit- those who honor and worship Him and they will be with Him forever more. But, there will also be a reaping of evil, which is represented by over ripe grapes that are easily crushed by his wrath. Interestingly, it is this depiction of the wrath of God that inspired these verses in the Battle Hymn of the Republic. 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord,

He is trampling out the vineyard where the grapes of wrath are stored,

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword,

His truth is marching on!

Yes! His truth will ultimately prevail. It will stand the test of time. It will determine the outcome of each and every soul to have ever lived. Evil can not prevail or overcome. God’s truth will be what matters. Remember the question Jesus asked Pilot? He asked “ What is truth?” That is the most important question each of us must face. 

Will we embrace that truth and be a follower of the Lamb? Or will we reject that truth and receive the wrath of God?