Finally, a third angel came and shouted:
Here is what will happen if you worship the beast and the idol and have the mark of the beast on your hand or forehead. You will have to drink the wine that God gives to everyone who makes him angry. You will feel his mighty anger, and you will be tortured with fire and burning sulfur, while the holy angels and the Lamb look on.
If you worship the beast and the idol and accept the mark of its name, you will be tortured day and night. The smoke from your torture will go up forever and ever, and you will never be able to rest.
Revelation 14:9-11
I think we may have missed something about God! These verses clearly say that God will torture those who worship the beast and the idol and accept the mark of its name.
Today, civilized people believe that torture is barbaric and serves no good purpose. There is great controversy in the United States about whether or not some of the interrogation techniques used by the intelligence services might be classified as torture. I know it would be much more comfortable to skip over these verses and pretend they were not saying what they are indeed saying. God will torture, in anger those who oppose Him while the holy angels and the Lamb look on!
This is simply a sobering reminder that we are not God and that we cannot stand in judgment of His Words or actions. When God decides to save a life, or not to save that life, we are tempted to read human motives in to God's actions. When God says He will torture those who oppose Him we cannot assume using torture, for God, would violate His Holiness and Eternal purity.
"Lord, I know that You are perfect in every way. Your ways are not my ways and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Help me Lord to stand in awe of You and not in judgment. Thank you Jesus. Amen."
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