Theme: THE END OF THE WICKED
Text: “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” – Revelation 14:6,7.
Comment: The devil, knowing that his time to live is short, is inducing many men and women to commit acts of violence and mischief, so that as many people as possible would be destroyed along with him. As St. Paul stated in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, he induces people to be self-centred, and to lack natural affection. Family structures and moral standards thus become weak and people become lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. It is for the purpose of teaching people to fear God that the good news of the everlasting Kingdom is being preached. (Ezekiel 3:17-19; Matthew 24:14) Hence the words of the angel in the text for today.
One who who has been living in sin should not delay but acknowledge his faults and avoid doing so again. As Lot continued practicing righteousness in spite of being surrounded by the ungodly, so people of goodwill should maintain their faith in spite of being surrounded by wickedness. (1 John 5:19) It is such ones who will be protected in this world and saved by His grace. Hence these words of comfort: “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast! For behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” – Isaiah 26:20, 21.