Reformation: First Lesson, Revelation 14:6-7                          

Revelation 14:6-7

God delights to use his human children. Think of it. Can you imagine that with all power at his disposal he chooses to use weak and sinful men and women for the task of the gospel? When you stop and allow yourself to actually take that in it seems unreal, almost nonsensical.

There is a place in the Revelation through John where another class of creature carries the gospel message and we find it in our 1st lesson this week. 

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on earth ….” (Rev. 14:6a).

The angel goes on to announce the hour of judgment and to call earth’s inhabitants to worship the true and living God. Interesting that is classified as “good news.” What it does is show a broadness to the gospel message. In other words, we have to make sure our proclamation includes all the right elements. Judgment and eternal praise of God are a part of that message. It is also interesting to me that God is called to mind primarily in his role as the Creator.

I think we need to stop and consider that more than we do. Our God, our “gospeling” God is the Creator “of all things visible, and invisible” as the ancient creed declares. And when you think that is high in the heart of this particular angel, we know it is in the heart of the Lord who sent him. At root, angels understand the gospel and all it entails. They only get to experience its fruit as spectators. But they understand the message.