Why Is it so Often the Poor, the Elderly, and Children Who Suffer the Most?
Is it fair for the innocent to suffer? No, it’s not fair. The point is that sin is not fair. God is fair, but sin is not fair. That is the nature of sin. When Adam sinned, he gave himself and the human race into the hands of a destroyer. God allows Satan to become active in working through nature to bring about destruction. And just like any bully, Satan targets the weak and the poor, the young and defenseless. God does not want this to happen. He did not want Adam and Eve to sin. But he allowed it, because that was the only way human beings could have the gift of freedom of choice.
For example, a son or daughter may rebel against good parents and go out into the world and live a life of sin. They may have children. They may even choose to abuse those children. This is not fair, yet it happens when people make wrong choices. A loving parent or grandparent would want to rescue the abused children. And God longs to do the same. This is why Jesus came to this earth. He came to live a perfect life and die a death that would bring the opportunity of salvation to all people. Although evil things may happen on this earth, Jesus has the ultimate rescue plan that He has put into action to save eternally everyone who accepts the reality of His love and pardon. Suffering is not forever. The perfect peace and joy of living with Christ forever is just around the corner.
What is the Wrath of God That Will Be Poured Out in the Last Days?
The Bible explains God’s wrath as allowing human beings to choose to separate themselves from God if they so desire. When the Bible speaks about God’s wrath, it does not mean that God is vindictive or retaliatory. God is love, and He wants everyone to be saved. But He allows men and women to go their own way if they insist on doing so. God says, “ My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13, NIV). Many people have rejected the joy of living with Jesus. They have chosen other lifeless things to fill their lives. Instead of living water, they have chosen to make their own wells that don’t even hold water or happiness. It is their choice and they have used their freedom of choice to reject the eternal life that God offers and, instead, try to find life and fulfillment in other worthless sources.
Sadly, God’s wrath is the inevitable consequence that comes to those who choose to separate themselves from Him. God does not want to give up any of His children to destruction. He says with so much yearning, “How shall I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? … My heart churns within Me; my sympathy is stirred” (Hosea 11:8, NKJV). The Lord longs with all His heart to see everyone eternally saved. “‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11, NKJV). God continually calls out to those who reject him to return, and it hurts His heart so much when they don’t. (Source: bibleinfo.com)
Revelation 14:14-15
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
Revelation 14:14–15 — Meaning and Context
Revelation 14:14–15 describes a climactic moment in the Book of Revelation, where God’s final judgment is about to be executed. The vision unfolds in the heavenly realm, with the glorified Son of Man (Jesus) seated on a cloud, symbolizing His divine authority and sovereignty Bible Hub.
14:14 — The angel sees the Son of Man with a golden crown and a sharp sickle in His hand. The sickle is a harvesting tool, representing the authority to separate the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age Bible Hub.
14:15 — Another angel comes from the temple (God’s dwelling place) and calls out to the Son of Man: “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is fully ripe” godsbless.ing+1. This is not a metaphorical suggestion but a divine command, marking the precise moment when God’s plan for humanity’s final judgment is set in motion.
Key Symbolism
Sickle: Represents Christ’s judgment, as in Joel 3:13 and Matthew 13:30, separating the wheat (righteous) from the chaff (wicked) Bible Hub.
Harvest of the earth: Signifies the culmination of God’s plan, where all people’s deeds—good and evil—will be judged godsbless.ing+1.
Ripe: Indicates that sin and iniquity have reached their full measure, and God’s patience has ended Bible Hub.
- Cloud: Symbolizes divine glory and authority, showing Christ’s sovereign control over the judgment Bible Hub.
Theological Significance
This passage is part of a sequence of heavenly proclamations in Revelation 14, which include:
An angel preaching the gospel (v. 6–7)
A warning against Babylon (v. 8)
A call to judgment against those who follow the beast (v. 9–11) StudyLight.org+1
The “reaping” in 14:15 is the final step in God’s victory over evil, sealing the fate of the righteous and the wicked. It is a moment of urgency and finality, showing that God’s timing is precise and that no one can delay His judgment Bible Hub.
In summary: Revelation 14:14–15 portrays the divine command for Christ to execute the final judgment, using the imagery of harvest to depict the separation of the righteous and the wicked at the end of the age. It is a solemn, authoritative moment in God’s plan, underscoring His sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment.
Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day!
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