Revelation 14:6-13; Psalm 51:13-19

Revelation 14:6-13
The scene is heaven, and we have heard the voices of the 144,000 praising God. Today we will hear the testimony of 3 angels.

• The first angel proclaims the eternal gospel to all who live on the earth--every nation, tribe, language and people. He exhorts them to fear God and give Him glory. He tells them to worship the God of creation, not "the beast." The hour of judgment has come. vv. 6-7
• The second angel gives a strict warning that the world system led by "the beast" has fallen. v. 8
• The third angel delivers a fearful warning to anyone who is still considering following "the beast," but has not as of yet. "If anyone worships the beast..." in v. 9 suggests that they still have the opportunity to repent and be saved from the terrible judgment. vv. 9-11  Beginning in v. 12, we see encouragement to believers to endure, obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Notice the contrast between unbelievers in v. 11 who will face eternal torment and there will be no rest for them and believers in v. 13 who look forward to eternal rest. "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes," says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'"

Psalm 51:13-19

David has sincerely confessed His sin to God. He has received God's forgiveness and cleansing. The natural result of this wonderful lifting of guilt and shame is that we are free to joyfully share our testimony with others. We can help others find the same forgiveness and cleansing. And we will praise the Lord! vv. 13-15

Then David reminds us that the sacrifices God wants from us are "a broken spirit; and a broken and contrite heart," This means that God wants a humble heart and spirit rather than pride from us. And when we have committed sin, He wants a broken and contrite heart.

For meditation:

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise."