09.31 Revelation 14:14-20 THE HARVEST OF THE ENDTIMES

Revelation 14:14-20 THE HARVEST OF THE ENDTIMES

Intro: Ill. The two previous visions. In this vision, John uses two agricultural metaphors. One of grain and one of grapes. These events picture the Feast of tabernacles. A time when the Jewish people came together to celebrate the Lord’s goodness and blessing. Before that Feast, there came the harvest of the grain and the grape. Remember, that we are seeing a preview of things that will be considered more deeply later. We are preparing for the millennial reign of the Lord Jesus. But, before He can come, there must be a harvest. Before the celebration, there must be judgment and the cutting off of the wicked. Let’s look at these two scenes of judgment.

I. Revelation 14:14-16 THE GOLDEN HARVEST

A. Revelation 14:14 The Reaper Of The Harvest - This is Jesus! (Ill. The cloud - Revelation 1:7) The Son of Man (Ill. He was presented as the Son of Man in Matthew 8:20, and this is the last time He is identified as the Son of Man. The first had to do with His event, the second with His return in victory.) (Ill. A reference to the Lord’s parable in Matthew 13:1-58. In Matthew 13:1-58, He is the     Sower, here He is the Reaper!)

B. Revelation 14:15 The Ripeness Of The Harvest - The time is now for the harvest to take place. (Ill. The parable of the Tares - Matthew 13:24-30) This is the time for the ultimate harvest and for the final separation. (Ill. This is a picture of Christianity. There are 2 kinds in the church! We cannot tell the difference. God can! (Ill. Differences in the tares and the wheat!) 1. Wheat and tares are identical at the beginning 2. At the end, tares stand tall, turn black and get ugly! 3. Wheat turns it’s heads downward. (A picture of humility) 4. As wheat grows upwards, it dies downwards. 5. Wheat grows through the seasons and is harvested annually. (Ill. We have our harvest, John 4:35) 6. The tares are poisonous, a natural emetic. When harvested along with the wheat,. they must be harvested grain by grain or they will cause sickness.

C. Revelation 14:16 The Reaping Of The Harvest - For 2,000 years, the saints have watched Satanically inspired cults and religions spring up and flourish. They will do even better after the rapture! However, the Lord knows them that are His and He will reap His people and gather them into His barn, the others He will bind and prepare for the fire! (Ill. Matthew 13:41-42) (Ill. The tares are burned to keep them from reproducing! Ill. Why there is a Hell!) Ill. This harvest has to do with those saved during the Tribulation. The harvest has primarily to do with the saints. The vintage of grapes, on the other hand, have to do mainly with the world.

II. Revelation 14:17-20     THE GORY VINTAGE    

(Here, we are presented with a picture of the Lord finally and ultimately dealing with those who have opposed Him and His truth. He steps into the arena of the battle of Armageddon to judge His foes. The time of the Lord’s vengeance and judgment has finally come upon the earth!) Notice:

A. Revelation 14:17-19 It Is Timely - Men have rejected the true vine of John 15:1-27. They would not have Jesus, instead they reached out to the world, and now it is time to face the Lord. (Ill. Grapes gathered and placed in the winepress. A place of pain and destruction) (Ill. Isaiah 63:1-3 is fulfilled here!) This will be a terrible time to face God.

B. Revelation 14:20 It Is Terrible - This is a picture of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; Revelation 19:17-19), not a single battle, but a great military campaign, Ill. Ezekiel 39:8-16. All the nations of the earth come against the nation of Israel to do battle! It will happen! )Ill. The blood will run to the horses bridles, 4ft. deep. It is 1,600 furlongs (200 miles) from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south. (Ill. A river of blood 4 ft. deep and 200 miles long!) Men have rejected the saving blood of the Lord Jesus, now they will wallow in their own blood! It’s Jesus or destruction!

Conc: Evil days are coming! We must be sure that we are ready to meet the coming of the Lord. We must do all we can to help other prepare foe that day as well! Are you ready for the harvest?