Revelation 14:9-11 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
The third angel gives another strong warning, similar to the second angel. This third warning is stronger and applies not just to Babylon but to the whole world. The warning is not to identify with the beast by taking its mark on the forehead or hand. Identifying with the beast shows rejection of the Lamb. This mark symbolizes acceptance and worship. The outcomes will be terrible: eternal torment.
There are many things in this world that invite and entice into worship. We may not think of this action as “worship” in the sense of going to a church in prayer and song. Worship of worldly idols can too easily creep into our lives through the deceit of the devil and the enticement of the world of flesh and lust. The answer is to keep our focus on God through true worship. How? A major way is by staying in God’s Word, the Bible. Saturate ourselves with the Word and it will lead us to God. Another is through prayer and conversation with God, as Paul says, pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Another is through fellowship with other believers where we can be strengthened, encouraged, and held accountable. A final way is through witness about Jesus to the world through making disciples. Being engaged in the mission will keep our focus on the One who sends us into mission.
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