Rev. 14:14-20; Psalm 52

Rev. 14:14-20
This passage is about God's judgment of the earth. The person described as seated on a white cloud is apparently our Lord Jesus Christ. God will let the evil in the world grow up to a certain point (when it is ripe, v. 15), and then He will judge or "harvest" it. v. 16

Christ tells us in John 15 that He is the Vine, and we are the branches. But the lost world system is also a vine, v. 18, in contrast to Christ, the True Vine. This vine of the earth is ripening for judgment when the wrath of God will destroy it. v. 19-20. We are today living in the age of grace when God speaks to us and urges people to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus. Our job is to listen and to encourage others to trust Jesus. The time will come when those who have refused to accept God's offer of salvation will have to face God's terrible judgment.

I realize this is a dark subject, but we must remember that all of God's Word is important for us to consider and study. And apparently the judgment of God in the last days is something He wants us to know about.

Psalm 52
This Psalm seems to be in two parts. The first part is a severe warning to evil, prideful people who boast, plot destruction, and practice deceit. They love evil and lies and harmful words. Notice the strong warning to these people: "Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living." And not only that, but the righteous will laugh at them who trusting in their great wealth and who grew strong by destroying others. vv. 1-7  Think about his when you hear celebrities or others who speak so disrespectfully of God. They may get laughter and attention and perhaps wealth for a time, but their end will be bitter!

On the other hand, we as believers are "like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God"! We trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. Our hope is not just for the time being but for all eternity! We will praise God forever for what He has done. We will trust His good name, and we will praise Him in the presence of his saints (God's people)! vv. 8-9