Revelation 14

The Explanation

John looked up. High on a mountain stood a Lamb. The sun was bright there, and the mountain was tall and rocky. This was not a lamb in a field. This Lamb shone, standing tall and strong.

Around Him stood many, many people. So many, John could not count them all. Every one of them had something written on their head. God's name. The Lamb's name too.

Then John heard a sound. Big, like the sea. Loud, like thunder. But soft too, like harps softly played. It was singing. A brand new song, sung to God on His throne.

Only the people with the Lamb could sing that song. Nobody else knew the words. Wherever the Lamb walked, they walked too, right behind Him, close as close can be.

Then John saw an angel. Flying high in the sky, wings spread wide. This angel had good news, for every person on the whole earth. He called out loud: "Worship Him who made the sky, the earth, the sea." Good news, for everyone to hear.

Then John saw something else. Someone sitting on a white cloud. A gold crown was on His head. In His hand, a big sharp sickle, like a farmer carries.

A voice called out: "The grain is ready! Time to gather it in!" So He swung His sickle. The whole earth's harvest was gathered, all at once, quick and sure.

What Does This Mean?

Think of a farmer in autumn. The wheat is golden and ready. He does not leave it standing in the field to fall over. He goes out and gathers it in, into his own barn, safe and close.

That is what God does too. He does not forget His people. One day He gathers them in, close to Him, like a farmer bringing in his wheat, careful and glad.

And that new song? Nobody had to teach it. It just came, because they were so happy to be near the Lamb.

The Common Thread

The Lamb on the mountain is Jesus. He is not weak. He is not far away. He stands tall, and His people stand with Him, close by His side.

Jesus is also the one gathering. He is not scary with that sickle. He is like a good farmer, bringing home what is His, safely, gently.

For You

You can stand close to Jesus too, just like those people on the mountain. Right behind Him, wherever He goes. And one day, He will gather you in too, close to Him, safe.

Talk About It

What do you think it feels like to sing a brand new song?

Why do you think Jesus gathers His people close, like a farmer gathers his wheat?

Praying Together

Dear Jesus, You stand tall on the mountain. Let me stand close to You too. Thank You that You gather Your people in, safe and near. Amen.