TOUGH LOVE

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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, 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. 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." Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
Revelation 14:9-12 ESV



¶The third angel brings consequences. The beast, in whatever form he takes, leaves his mark upon those whom he deceives. Whatever form sin takes, and whether they know it or not, it gathers all sinners together into one body, marked with the mark. Toward them God is not just absent. He is advancing in fury and vengeance against their willful rebellion. The saints, the faithful remnant, like their good and faithful Lord, need endurance to live, love, and share in the suffering of this fallen broken world.

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