Of Blood and Wine - Rumor notes 148

 

Revelation 14

17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. 18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" 19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

First Harvest	Second Harvest	Differences
14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.	17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle.	The second harvester could represent trained experts by the Son of Man. They come out from the temple in heaven in Revelation 15:6.
15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!"	18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!"	The first harvest prepares the agents who assist in the second. In the second, the angel instructing has authority over fire like Elijah did. But the reapers are told to use their sickle to reap, not fire. This is more in line with the disposition of the Lamb than with Elijah's.
16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.	19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.	The first harvest seals the mature agents who in turn are used by the One on the cloud for carrying out the second harvest. Their outpouring of praise and prayers as described in the next two chapters produce reactions of wrath and plagues and much bloodshed.

Here we continue with an alternative proposal for interpreting the second harvest of chapter 14 that deviates significantly from the previous one offered.

threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God

This action could resonate with Satan's being cast out of heaven. We examined that previously and noted how it was not a direct act on the part of God but rather was due to the incompatibility between light and darkness, love and distrust, truth and lies. That is all part of the difference between how God operates versus how Satan and his followers use coercion and subterfuge to achieve their ends.

Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, "Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, and small and great."

I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army. The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:15-21)

Note who is itemized here to get a hint of who is thrown into the winepress of the wrath of God. Keep in mind that wrath means letting go of protection, not angry aggression.

Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Why are you red in your clothing, and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yes, I trod them in my anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my wrath, it upheld me. I trod down the peoples in my anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth. (Isaiah 63:1-6)

How is Jesus related to this metaphor? Jesus identified with the consequences of all His enemy's sins and gave every human being a new identity as beloved child of God. That means there is no excuse for anyone being lost. He has already taken the full effects of all the sins of the world that has resulted from our embracing a false identity that contradicts what God says about us. Christ absorbed all the effects of sin, setting every person free to embrace His identity as their own if they will simply believe what is true about God's disposition towards them. He forever put to death our false identity, pouring out His blood that represents our death to the old creature identity in order that any willing to accept Him can receive His Spirit to empower them to live a new creature life in the image of Christ. Their lives then become fruitful with the fruit of His indwelling Spirit.

The winepress was trodden outside of the city

This first passage places the winepress as inside the vineyard.

Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. (Isaiah 5:1-2)

So why does it say here in Revelation that the winepress was trodden outside the city?

He took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that he had built in the mountain of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. (2 Chronicles 33:15)

For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

But afterward he sent to them his son, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and seize his inheritance.' So they took him, and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. (Matthew 21:37-39)

Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some. Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But those farmers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. (Mark 12:5-8)

The lord of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be that seeing him, they will respect him.' "But when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' They threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do to them? (Luke 20:13-15)

For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside of the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate. Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. For we don't have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come. Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. (Hebrews 13:11-15)

If the current interpretation of this harvest is valid, involving the 144,000 representing and reflecting the true Messiah, then it would make sense that they will be treated with the same derision as He was treated. They must be willing to identify with Him and suffer His reproach just as He did, knowing that this world is no place for them because their true identity does not have its origin here.

let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name

This alerts us again to the centrality and potency of the primary weapon relied on by the special ops forces of the Lamb – the New Song which is the continual sacrifice of praise. Why is it a sacrifice to praise God, to confess His name? Because it cuts against the emotional grain of natural reactions to how the world around us defines who we are and our place in society and even our own feelings of worthlessness, condemnation and desires to fit it and feel accepted.

Confessing His name is all about choosing to identify ourselves exclusively by the Word of God and not allowing anyone else to dictate what we believe about God or ourselves. This struggle will become so intense that it will require giving up on life itself in order to cling to the truth of God's goodness and faithfulness despite the whole world compelling us to accept the beast's version of God or face extermination. This is why these people do not love their own life unto the death, because death is the certain punishment threatened against all who resist accepting the identity and God-picture imposed on the world by the image to the beast as we studied in chapter 13.

blood came out from the winepress

For my sword has drunk its fill in the sky. Behold, it will come down on Edom, and on the people of my curse, for judgment. Yahweh's sword is filled with blood. It is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah, And a great slaughter in the land of Edom. The wild oxen will come down with them, and the young bulls with the mighty bulls; and their land will be drunken with blood, and their dust made greasy with fat. (Isaiah 34:5-7)

I heard the angel of the waters saying, "You are righteous, who are and who were, you Holy One, because you have judged these things. For they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this." (Revelation 16:5-6)

I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. (Revelation 17:6)

We need to be cautious to not fall into the trap of presuming that loyalty to God will deliver us from suffering or even death. These duel harvests describe horrific events about to come on the whole world that are presently unimaginable but will be very real. They describe a level of bloodshed unknown since the beginning of the world, but necessary in order that evil may be fully disarmed of any credibility and that fear loses all power to control those remaining loyal to the Lamb.

even to the bridles of the horses

While the symbol of bridles may not be a direct part of the meaning of the blood in this next passage, it can be a connecting link to other passages that contribute to this symbol of harvests that involve the participation of the agents representing the true Lamb to the whole world.

Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. Indeed, we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. (James 3:1-3)

In this context, bridle is a symbol of self-control. This is insignificant as harvesting is about revealing character that has been formed. Character involves a regulated life or the catastrophic results of lack of self-control. Judgment exposes and reveals one or the other under pressure.

In those days, the father will be beaten together with his sons, in one place; and brothers shall fall together with their friends, in death, until a stream shall flow with their blood. For a man shall not be able to withhold his hands from his sons nor from (his) sons’ sons in order to kill them. Nor is it possible for the sinner to withhold his hands from his honored brother. From dawn until the sun sets, they shall slay each other. The horse shall walk through the blood of sinners up to his chest; and the chariot shall sink down up to its top. (1 Enoch 100:3)

This next passage is rather lengthy but has become a pivotal in this study as there are a number of metaphors and words that resonate with this harvest in chapter 14. We start with the passage mentioning the bridle, then return to examine the context of the whole chapter in light of what is being proposed about a surrogate harvester here being those called the 144,000. There is much to process in this passage as we navigate its potential meanings in light of the Lamb's version of God.

Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire. His breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples. (Isaiah 30:27-28)

Here we find close correlation to what we read in Revelation. An overflowing stream that reaches to the neck coupled with reference to a bridle. Now let's go back and unpack the larger context of this passage, keeping in mind that as with other prophecies in the Old Testament, this is a dual application prophecy that has both local and cosmic potential applications.

The burden of the animals of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to an unprofitable people. For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I called her Rahab who sits still. [Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who acted immediately to hide Israelite spies to save their life because she had faith that their God was more trustworthy than those of her people. Here God likens Egypt to a Rahab who did not respond, betraying His people instead of working actively to save them. Note also the vivid references to the fiery flying serpent (resonating with the Tree of Good and Evil serpent), lions, trouble and riches – all connected to the economy of Satan's kingdoms.]

Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever. For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not hear the law of Yahweh; who tell the seers, "Don't see!" and to the prophets, "Don't prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits. Get out of the way. Turn aside from the path. Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."

Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, "Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and rely on it; therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly in an instant. He will break it as a potter's vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing, so that there won't be found among the broken piece a piece good enough to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern." [God is here exposing how heaven sees clearly what is really going on among His chosen people.]

For thus said the Lord Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, "You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence." [This is a key and eternal truth necessary to embrace God's design of reality and a correct relationship with Him.]

You refused, but you said, "No, for we will flee on horses;" therefore you will flee; and, "We will ride on the swift;" therefore those who pursue you will be swift. One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill. [Throughout this and many other places, God seeks to inform us of the results of violating principles of cause and effect, though many times it is worded as if God were imposing the consequences. Often this is due to the perspective of the prophet or writer.]

Therefore Yahweh will wait, that he may be gracious to you; and therefore he will be exalted, that he may have mercy on you, for Yahweh is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him. For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he hears you, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won't be hidden anymore, but your eyes will see your teachers; and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way. Walk in it." [This paragraph indicates a learning process where people are being transitioned into a new paradigm in order to perceive reality from heaven's perspective and to let go of old paradigms and assumptions. I don't believe everyone addressed throughout this chapter are necessarily of the same group or disposition. Some were willing to learn while others remained intransigent.]

You shall defile the overlaying of your engraved images of silver, and the plating of your molten images of gold. You shall cast them away as an unclean thing. You shall tell it, "Go away!" [Instructions to despise false sources of identity and cling to God as our sole Source of identity.]

He will give the rain for your seed, with which you will sow the ground; and bread of the increase of the ground will be rich and plentiful. In that day, your livestock will feed in large pastures. The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that till the ground will eat savory provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork. There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. [What kind of towers? Resonant with the tower of Babel? This almost seems to envision a takeover of blessings against the land of curses.] Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, in the day that Yahweh binds up the fracture of his people, and heals the wound they were struck with.

Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire. His breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples.

You will have a song, as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come to Yahweh's mountain, to Israel's Rock. Yahweh will cause his glorious voice to be heard, and will show the descent of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, storm, and hailstones.

For through the voice of Yahweh the Assyrian will be dismayed. He will strike him with his rod. Every stroke of the rod of punishment, which Yahweh will lay on him, will be with the sound of tambourines and harps. He will fight with them in battles, brandishing weapons. And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it. (v. 32 KJV) For his burning place has long been ready. Yes, for the king it is made ready. He has made its pyre deep and large with fire and much wood. Yahweh's breath, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it. (Isaiah 30:6-33)

I want to unpack these last two verses as most translations often obscure the actual content of the Hebrew words behind this. We start with a transliteration of verse 32.

Every/all – foundation/grounded/an appointment – tribe, branch/rod or staff for correction, or to use as a scepter/bread of life – crossing place/transition/passing/overwhelming – Yahweh – dwell, settle down, let fall, give comfort, make to rest – tambourines – harps – engaging in war/fight – brandishing/offering/shaking/ wave – to feed on, consume, overcome, prevail.

This pattern resonates with both how God related to Pharaoh in the plagues that fell on Egypt, as well as the 7 last plagues we will examine in chapter 16. It also resonates with Isaiah 28.

Again we see a pattern found elsewhere alerting us to principles we have found recurrent throughout our study of Revelation. The way God's agents are to overcome evil is not by counterforce but with love, light, the New Song, praises and celebration of God's goodness, kindness, blessing and through reflection of His true character before the watching universe.

Most translations render this as forced punishments imposed by Yahweh on all those in defiance of His will. Yet this contradicts the revelation of God in Jesus Christ who is the only true Witness worthy of trust to reveal the true heart of Yahweh. The weapon most effective against the enemies of Yahweh is praise to Him, thanksgiving, songs of victory celebrated by those in tune with their leader, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In Revelation 14:14-16:21 the advance troops of the Lamb accomplish the overthrow of the very capital of Satan's empire using this strategy which is singing the New Song accompanied with the harps of God (Revelation 14:2-3). The contents of the bowls poured out by those dressed identical to Jesus (Revelation 1:13; 15:6) is their prayers and praises which acts as a catalyst that elicits violent torment in the minds of all who remain determinedly resistant to embracing the truth of God's glory as His love, who deny that there is no darkness in Him at all (1 John 1:5). This is how God's loyal followers are to fight (2 Chronicles 20:21; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5), not by might or by power (Zechariah 4:6) but in sync with God's Spirit through praise, joy, thanksgiving and intercessory prayers (Revelation 5:8) with love for their enemies.

What is the fire of Yahweh's breath that has long been ready? Combine this with the truth about God's fire in light of the following passages, and these verses take on a whole new meaning.

As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you. (Proverbs 25:20-22)

Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21)

This is vital to understand if we are to appreciate the true nature of God's heart and how love will overcome the power of evil, and light will overcome darkness. God will not resort to violence to force anyone against their will. That is the spirit of Satan and has been projected back onto God by our twisted ways of thinking. God will overcome evil with good just as He instructs us to do. This is consistent throughout Scripture when viewed through the lens of the One sent to show us the Father.

But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:44-48)

But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. (Luke 6:27-29)

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free. (Luke 6:35-37)

as far as one thousand six hundred stadia

Stadia comes from a word meaning stade, a measure of distance, by implication a stadium or race course. It's probably not incidental that the word stadia in Revelation only shows up in these two places. This could infer that they may be in sharp contrast to each other.

At this point I have little to offer about the potential meaning of this, but here are some various passages that might be potentially related in some way.

The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. (Revelation 21:16 NIV)

Possible connection to water flow from under the east gate of the temple in Ezekiel 47?

When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid. (John 6:19)

25 X 24 = 600 30 X 20 = 600 24 elders, maturing process of humanity overcoming fear.

Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. (Luke 24:13)

60 X 10 = 600 10 associated with the Law, unveiling of truth about OT by Jesus.

Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away. (John 11:18)

15 X 40 = 600 40 days of intimacy with God. 40 days of intercession by Moses.

40 days strength for Elijah to Mt. Horeb. 40 years in wilderness. 40 days of temptation.

40 days Jesus remained after resurrection.

Noah was 600 years old when the flood came (Genesis 7:6).

The number 6 can be representative of humanity.

The number 1,000 symbolizes the presence of God as the most holy place is 1,000 square units.

Summary

Before we move onto the next chapter, I would like to summarize the nuances and relationship between these two harvests along with the implications of how some of the words can alert us as to the nature of each one and who may be involved, both doing the reaping and those being reaped.

The first Reaper is pretty clearly identified as being Jesus Himself who is sitting on a cloud with an instrument in His hand and ready to reap.

An angel comes out from the temple in heaven to cry out to Him to go ahead and reap because the harvest of the earth is ripe. This may indicate that everyone on earth is ripe for reaping, not just one side or the other. While this first harvest seems to involve only those being saved, this alert that the earth is ripe may be important to keep as context for both harvests.

There seems to be evidence that this angel may possibly represent both those crying out for this harvest to take place, as well as possibly being the ones that are harvested. This aligns with the idea of a people who are hungering and thirsting, desperate for righteousness and who are willing to be transformed. Compare this with Jeremiah 30:5-10 where it talks prophetically about an experience called 'the time of Jacob's trouble'.

The nature of the word translated crying is extremely intense, desperate, those begging God to stop at nothing to do whatever it takes to transform them into mature reflectors so the image of God may be restored in their souls to anchor them in His likeness. This comes from krazo meaning to scream, cause an outcry, to clamor, shriek, exclaim, intreat, beg earnestly.

This harvest involves a sharp instrument in the hand of Christ, something unusual in this book as the rest of the time it is seen as a sword and always in His mouth. This harvest seems apparently quick, decisive, simple, clean and efficient with no resistance. This means the Reaper is allowed to be more directly involved in their transformation process.

The second reaper has an ID that corresponds to the assistant angel described in the first harvest. This could indicate this representing the same individual or even the 144,000.

There is no mention of where or how the sickle is located in relation to the reaper, leaving it possible that this reaper may be able to use only words such as is represented by the sword being only in the mouth of Jesus. Rather than hands on interaction with those being reaped, they can only speak and demonstrate the truth in love and praise for God because of continued lack of permission and authorization on the part of those who are being reaped. (Revelation 16)

The assistant angel for the second harvest comes out from the altar and has power over fire. This is noticeably different from the previous assistant and with significant overtones and implications.

This second angel calls out with a great cry (krauge in the Greek) to the reaper. This word means an outcry (in notification, tumult or grief) – to clamor, even crying.

The earth's grapes are fully ripe. In the first harvest there is no mention of grapes. This harvest is not only significantly different, but given its extended description it appears to involve a harvest of wickedness more likely than a harvest of godly fruit.

Application

Whether or not we have time each week to discuss this further, it would be well for each one of us to contemplate how the things the Spirit is bringing to our attention may be integrated into our own experience and circumstances and how we relate to God and those around us. Think of some things the Spirit has brought to your attention and take time to listen quietly and reflect on how we may alter our own disposition to give permission for the Spirit to do a work in our own heart. If we merely learn head knowledge without allowing it to accomplish actual heart transformation, we may actually be found to be opposing the very work the Spirit seeks to do in us, for the most important thing, the highest priority for us must be to experience genuine heart transformation as we let go of our resistance to God's love.

How does my disposition affect which harvest I may be found to experience?

Am I willing to cry out, even scream in total desperation for Jesus to do whatever it takes to grow me up into His likeness and reflect His image in my soul?

Whether or not I am actually a part of the 144,000 who are matured to work intimately with the Lamb, am I willing to embrace only His disposition and motives and turn away from using any method out of harmony with how He treats people?

Am I willing to let go of all desire for power to use against those who I see as enemies?

How much could God trust me with a gift like power to use fire?

Am I willing to lay aside all resistance and humble myself to let Jesus fulfill His desire to transform me to be willingly vulnerable and be freed from all cravings for vengeance against anyone?

Can I trust God to effectively win over evil without ever resorting to use of force but with complete respect for every person's freedom?

Reaping Experts - Rumor notes 147

Revelation 14

17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. 18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" 19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

First Harvest	Second Harvest	Differences
14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.	17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle.	The second harvester could represent human agents trained by the Son of Man. They come out from the temple in heaven as in Revelation 15:6.
15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!"	18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!"	The first harvest prepares the agents to assist in the second. In the second, the instructing angel has authority over fire like Elijah did. But the reapers are told to use their sickle for reaping, not fire. This is more in line with the disposition of the Lamb than with Elijah's methods.
16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.	19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.	The matured and sealed agents from the first harvest in turn cooperate with the One on the cloud to carry out the second harvest. Their outpouring of praise and prayers are described in the next two chapters, but produce reactions of wrath and release of evil plagues resulting in much bloodshed.

This is a different proposal for interpreting the harvests of chapter 14 deviating significantly from the previous one presented. We will examine the evidence here from a different perspective in light of the larger context of the war.

Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven

After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished. (Revelation 15:5-8)

This harvester is identified as coming out from the temple while the first harvester clearly references Jesus. I propose that this angel could possibly represent collectively the people that were just harvested, who in turn are then employed here by Jesus to conduct this second harvest.

After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts. One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished. (Revelation 15:5-8)

Based on these passages I have increasingly come to believe that possibly this angel not only may represent the 7 angels in chapters 15-16 collectively, but that it may reference the trained and fully equipped special ops forces loyal to the Lamb as described at the outset of chapter 14.

I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads. I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps. They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth. These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb. In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless. (Revelation 14:1-5)

In the mouth of Christ is found the sword of truth, the Word of God which is one of His titles. The 7 angels in chapter 15 reflect Him to the point of almost looking like clones. They also have no lie in their mouth for they are blameless. I am seeing increasing evidence from multiple directions that appears to confirm this proposal as serious for us to consider.

He also had a sharp sickle

I would like to include another symbol that may correlate to this symbol of a sickle. A sickle is little more than a curved sword used in cutting grain stalks or for other kinds of harvesting.

I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called "The Word of God." The armies which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen. Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. (Revelation 19:11-15)

The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:20-21)

Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great." (Joel 3:13)

There is more to this phrase that needs to be examined. First, note that there is nothing here indicating where the sickle is associated to the reaper like what is mentioned in the first harvest. We could assume it is also in the hand, yet after considering other aspects of this harvest we can consider otherwise. Clues in other passages indicate the only sharp instrument used by Jesus in Revelation is always and only in His mouth, with the exception of this first harvest. That might seem incidental at first, yet upon closer reflection it may be very significant.

What would be a difference from doing something hands-on versus only using words? Hands-on infers more active involvement, yet when it comes to reaping souls, the issue of authority by consent plays a huge factor in how much one is allowed to be involved in another person's life.

What I am beginning to sense here is that if the first harvest is about completing character transformation in people's lives who are eager to become completely like Jesus, then Jesus has permission to be more engaged in their lives to transform them both internally and externally into His likeness until they are matured. However, in the second harvest, if it involves a harvest of those who dwell on the earth, those who resist the love, convictions and promptings of the Spirit and reject correction by God in their lives, reapers potentially would be limited to only using words as there is no permission for them to get any closer. Thus it is possible that this second harvest could be executed by use of what only comes out of the mouth short of more direct involvement that is implied by a sickle in the hand. We will expand on this issue of the sickle later.

Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire

When we hear the altar mentioned it should alert us to connect this to the scant other references to the altar in this book. What comes to mind especially is this one from the 5^th seal.

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. They cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course. (Revelation 6:9-11)

This may symbolize immature saints crying out for justice as was discussed when we studied this seal. They are instructed to be patient until the final group of saints become fully matured by completing their course. It is possible that what we find here in these harvests in chapter 14 is the fulfillment, at least in part, of this promise to the souls under the altar?

This assistant angel is noted as having power over fire, yet he is not the one doing the reaping. Rather he is giving instructions to the reaping angel as to when and how to carry out his task. What does power over fire have to do with this?

Authority over fire has a historical precedent for being easily abused at times. It appears to be a high risk gift from God, and we discussed this in our study of the two witnesses in chapter 11. It could be that in this instance, the angel with power over fire holds this power in reserve while providing direction to the actual reapers in this harvest. Rather than giving them this power directly and risk having it abused, they have it available but leave it in reserve. That is one option.

he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle

The word voice here or in the KJV cry used by the first assistant angel, is different from the word cry in reference to the second assistant. Neither of these is used in describing the loud voices of the first 3 angels in this chapter. The angel of chapter 18 as well as the outcry of the souls under the altar do have the same word as the Greek for cry found in the first harvest.

The word translated cry in the first harvest uses a Greek word meaning to scream, an outcry, clamor, shriek, exclaim, intreat. It conveys much more intensity than the word for cry used in the second harvest. That word is more subdued; it means an outcry (in notification, tumult or grief), clamor, crying in sadness. Because the first cry has far greater intensity while the second cry involves something darker, foreboding and involving grief, I believe it offers valuable insight to discerning more clearly the differences between these two harvests.

For me this lends even more credence to the proposal that those represented by this reaping angel can be the same ones who cried out to the One on the cloud in the previous harvest, as well as being the ones who are harvested. I also believe they may be, at least part, the fulfillment of the promise given to the souls under the altar. This group could be the last of the fellow servants and brothers who have here completing their training and character preparation to then be used as agents by God to synchronize with the first reaper as they are now tasked with helping to carry out this second harvest which involves the wicked. And while they may not be killed as were those represented as being under the altar, as Paul might put it they are as good as dead, for at the beginning of this chapter we see that they are identified as not loving their own lives unto the death.

If these are harvested people who are in turn commissioned to participate in the harvesting of the wicked, it should be safe to assume that their actions, testimony and disposition are the same as the Lamb that they follow. This enhances the suggestion that their experience in doing so may also parallel what the Lamb endured as the sins of the world were placed on Him as we find described in Isaiah 52-53. A clue is that the same word for cry in the second harvest is used in Hebrews related to Jesus.

He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, (Hebrews 5:7)

I believe that what Jesus experienced emotionally while consciously bearing the weight of the sins of the entire world from all humanity, was what He referred to as His spending 3 days and 3 nights in the belly of the earth. That does not necessarily mean being in the grave as most have assumed. If we approach it from this perspective, it will affect how we may see how these reapers may be called upon to pass through a similar emotional experience that Jesus went through leading up to His death. That is not to suggest in any way that there would be need or benefit to be derived from their dying as He did, for Christ has already conquered the power of death. That issue has already been fully settled forever because death and fear are completely absorbed and neutralized by Jesus. He identified fully as one of us, all who are subject to death, and He overcame and defeated it. Even more so, by conquering the most potent weapon relied on by the enemy of life, Jesus destroyed all credibility of the devil, for his only ability to control us is by fear and deception to manipulate our emotions.

Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

I am proposing that this reaper may well represent the 144,000. Additionally I am finding much evidence to also believe they might also be represented as the 7 angels who are active in the next couple chapters. We will examine that evidence when we get there hopefully soon. What I am coming to believe is that this group of Lamb followers may be so dedicated and refined in their total allegiance to the Lamb, that He can entrust them with the rare privilege and high honor of demonstrating once again the pure testimony of Jesus, the real truth about God's heart, by revealing clearly to the world through their lives under severe trial, the same revelation of glory as was witnessed in the disposition of Jesus as He received all the blame, accusation, slander and maltreatment of sinners against Him, yet only responding with humility, kindness, compassion and mercy.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth." Who, when he was cursed, didn't curse back. When he suffered, didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; (1 Peter 2:21-23)

These Lamb-followers have come to see the real issue, that what Christ suffered was not punishment by God but the effects caused by sin itself. They also have learned how He overcame and follow His example, by focusing on the joy set before them just as He did, by saturating their mind, heart and imagination with the New Song involving praises and thanksgiving to God, along with intercessions and appeals for repentance in earnest concern for even their worst enemies.

Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don't grow weary, fainting in your souls. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

How might this 'cry' in the first harvest be a preparation to share in the sufferings of Christ? I believe a prophecy in the Old Testament resonates with how those who follow the Lamb become prepared to appreciate His perspective so thoroughly that they are ready to face down death itself.

For thus says Yahweh: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see whether a man does travail with child: why do I see every man with his hands on his waist, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. It shall come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondservant; but they shall serve Yahweh their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up to them. Therefore don't you be afraid, O Jacob my servant, says Yahweh; neither be dismayed, Israel: for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. (Jeremiah 30:5-10)

Strangely enough, it seems possible to me that the harvest of the wicked just might be accomplished by allowing these faithful witnesses, special ops forces fully synchronized with the Lamb in every way, to pass through similar treatment as what He experienced to demonstrate vividly the truth of how God responds to evil treatment as Jesus did. The main difference this time will be that this demonstration of God's disposition what was first revealed during the abuse experienced by Christ, will now be witnessed on a worldwide scale so vividly it cannot be ignored. It will not just happen on a single cross in one location on earth, but will be simultaneously demonstrated strategically all over the planet. As a result, the whole earth will be exposed to such an intense revelation of the true glory of God's heart paralleling what was initially released by the first-fruit Lamb, that it will precipitate the collapse of the entire empire of evil in a most surprising and unexpected way. Such a revelation of God's true glory undermines the very foundation of Satan's system that it ruptures from exposure by this unprecedented demonstration of selfless love through human beings filled and motivated with the passion of God's heart.

After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory. (Revelation 18:1)

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the assembly; (Colossians 1:24)

This might be what it means to fill up the sufferings of Christ, for suffering is sure to come on all who choose to participate in reflecting Christ's disposition of only love for His enemies. They will be interceding for those who hate them, who despitefully abuse them and who are blaspheming the name of God. These witnesses are forgiving and loving them unconditionally while not loving their own lives more than others. These reflect freely God's passionate love received into their hearts in real time while they demonstrate the same willing vulnerability and humility that was previously seen in the life and death of the violently slaughtered Lamb who is their Hero.

Why is all this important? How does this scenario link to what we started with here, the nuance of the word cry that conveys such intensity? I believe this word indicates what is needed in order for anyone to become prepared enough to participate in such an advanced revelation of God's heart. The word conveys an extreme passion, an outcry, a desperate hunger to become transformed fully including a complete surrender to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify them so thoroughly that they are enabled to follow their Leader the Lamb all the way to death if necessary without shrinking back.

send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth

"For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment on them there for my people, and for my heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations. They have divided my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have given a boy for a prostitute, and sold a girl for wine, that they may drink. [child sex trafficking – sound familiar?]

"Yes, and what are you to me, Tyre, and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Will you repay me? And if you repay me, I will swiftly and speedily return your repayment on your own head. Because you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my finest treasures into your temples, and have sold the children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem to the sons of the Greeks, that you may remove them far from their border. Behold, I will stir them up out of the place where you have sold them [revival and reformation?], and will return your repayment on your own head; and I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hands of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the men of Sheba, to a faraway nation, for Yahweh has spoken it." [depleting the Greeks of heritage?]

Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Stir up the mighty men. Let all the warriors draw near. Let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.' Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves together." Cause your mighty ones to come down there, Yahweh. Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

"Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great." Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision. [The 'sickle' used by Jehoshaphat was the choir singing praises to Yahweh.]

The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. Yahweh will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but Yahweh will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel. So you will know that I am Yahweh, your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain. Then Jerusalem will be holy, and no strangers will pass through her any more. (Joel 3:1-17)

I can't help seeing how the secret power of the New Song plays a pivotal role in the defeat of evil.

Praise Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance! Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp! For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds. May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment. All his saints have this honor. Praise Yah! (Psalms 149:1-9)

While a two-edged sword in the hand may seem significantly different from a sickle, it may not be that far apart given how the Son of God is portrayed as having a sword coming out of His mouth that is used in righteous judgment, to separate and execute His kind of justice.

If we allow other passages to compliment this symbol of a sickle as being similar to a sword, while still conforming with the same pattern as is involved in harvesting with a sickle, we find congruency and insights while remaining faithful to the truth of the disposition of the Lamb.

Listen, islands, to me; and listen, you peoples, from far: Yahweh has called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother has he made mention of my name: and he has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand has he hid me: and he has made me a polished shaft; in his quiver has he kept me close: and he said to me, 'You are my servant; Israel, in whom I will be glorified.'

But I said, 'I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Yahweh, and my recompense with my God.'

Now says Yahweh who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered to him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Yahweh, and my God is become my strength); yes, he says, It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth. (Isaiah 49:1-6)

Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword." (Luke 22:36)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken word of God; with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: (Ephesians 6:17-18)

Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:9-12)

gather the clusters of the vine of the earth

Here it clearly identifies the harvest as grapes from clusters of the vine of the earth. Fermented wine in Scripture was apparently the primary source of intoxication, especially as portrayed in prophecy. Revelation warns us against being involved in the wine of Babylon. These clusters identified as of the earth can indicate this harvest pertains to all those not harvested by the previous Reaper. This second harvest is of those who have become ripened in rebellion against God's mercy, whose hearts are hardened by the mindset of Babylon.

How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and Yahweh had delivered them up? For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, of the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the poison of serpents, The cruel venom of asps. (Deuteronomy 32:30-33)

for the earth's grapes are fully ripe

Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent. (Genesis 9:20-21)

Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.

"Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild grapes?

Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down. I will lay it a wasteland. It won't be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it." For the vineyard of Yahweh of Armies is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress. (Isaiah 5:1-7)

Be instructed, Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from you; lest I make you a desolation, a land not inhabited. Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grape gatherer into the baskets.

To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they can't listen: behold, the word of Yahweh is become to them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the wrath of Yahweh; I am weary with holding in: pour it out on the children in the street, and on the assembly of young men together; for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him who is full of days. Their houses shall be turned to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out my hand on the inhabitants of the land, says Yahweh. For from the least of them even to the greatest of them everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says Yahweh. (Jeremiah 6:8-15)

This ripeness of metaphorical grapes represents a maturation of evil in the hearts of those refusing a love of the truth, whose hearts are hardened to the kindness and mercies of their Creator.

Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great." Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:13-14)

The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth

What is important for this to make sense are the methods used to accomplish this harvest. We must never confuse this with old paradigms of judging but stick to the methods and means used by the Lamb. The fact that these agents are into praise music accompanied with harps of God is a strong clue to connect more dots even more compellingly. We will look at this more. Here the point I want to emphasize is that the process of discovering the truth about those being harvested while not resorting to methods used by the enemy, is how these harvesters rely solely on thanksgiving, petitions, praise and honoring the Father and the Lamb as the sole means of flushing into the open the true nature of those fiercely opposed to the truth that shapes the character of these Lamb fans.

We will explore the mystery of how bowls are used in the next couple chapters and what contents are poured out that result in climatic eruptions of catastrophe after catastrophe, yet still remains within the parameters of truth, love and freedom with no force involved. As a result of various passages brought together, we can discern how this last harvest could also be a condensed summary of what will be expanded on over the next two chapters as well as referenced in various passages throughout the Old Testament.

What lies behind this second proposal are various key words and symbols that show up strategically in passages that corroborate this concept. We will approach them with this concept in mind to see how dots might connect by comparing one seemingly disconnected passage to another. What is emerging to me presently are threads that seem to be consistent in a number of these passages that we will explore more thoroughly as we go along. Here are some threads that appear to strengthen this idea as being valid.

These agents reflect the disposition and use only the methods of the Lamb exclusively

The Lamb has chosen them to participate in the process of harvesting, which is judgment.

According to Jesus' definition of judgment, it is what happens when light is released that exposes everything hidden in darkness.

Their means of bringing light into the darkness is through praise, celebration, thanksgiving and glorifying God's reputation while loving enemies just as the Lamb does.

Music and instruments are utilized in amplifying the intensity of glory which invokes God's powerful presence. Of particular mention seem to be harps and tambourines.

All who are resistant to love, truth, light and who deny freedom of conscience, react violently to such exposure, yet they perceive their terror as being imposed on them when in reality they are themselves the root cause of their own torment.

When it comes to this final harvest, unlike previous exposures by the light, this wave of intense revelations of God's glory only results in permanently hardening rejectors of God's mercy in complete obstinacy and rebellion. Yet this is a necessity in the long term order that it may become clear to everyone that God is in no way complicit in the punishments that the lost experience and blame on Him, for He is only light, love and truth in all situations.

In the next study we review many of the same passages we covered last time, though from a uniquely different perspective that we have laid out here. We will explore in particular Isaiah 30 which is where the above threads provide greater perspective.

Vintage Wine - Rumor notes 146

Revelation 14

17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle. 18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!" 19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

First Harvest	Second Harvest	Differences
14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.	17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle.	The second harvester lacks the credentials of the Son of Man. It merely comes out from the temple in heaven, paralleling the assistant angel of the first.
15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!"	18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!"	The assistant angels differ in origin. The latter one relies on fire possibly of the altar for his authority. His emphasis is on the sharp sickle. The second angel mentions vine clusters while the first doesn't mention anything specific.
16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.	19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.	Again, the first harvest is very simple while the second elaborates on vintage wine, wrath and elaborate descriptions of bloodshed.

he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. They cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:9-10)

This loud voice joins many references to a loud voice throughout this book. Another loud voice this resonates with was heard in the warning of the third angel describing the tragic results of viewing God through the lens of the dragon and its beasts and image. Keep in mind that this assistant angel is defined as having power over fire. The belief that God punishes people with fire to torture them is central in the dark views of God promoted by the enemy.

Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. (Revelation 14:9-10)

Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth

Note that the previous assistant angel did not mention the word sharp, though both reapers are identified as having a sickle. This could relate to an emphasis on sharpness as reflected in our system of enforced consequences that despises heaven's method of allowing natural principles to result in natural consequences.

At this point it is becoming clear that what is being harvested on the earth is not the same as the previous harvest, though that one does not specifically identify what was reaped. Here it clearly identifies that the target harvest are grapes from clusters of the vine of the earth. This may have to do with the fact that fermented grape juice is the primary source of intoxication, especially in prophecy, rather than alcohol from any other source. Throughout Revelation we are warned against imbibing the wine of Babylon which would come from fermented grape juice. Identifying these clusters closely with the earth could indicate differentiating this harvest from the nature of what was harvested by the previous Reaper.

How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and Yahweh had delivered them up? For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, of the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the poison of serpents, The cruel venom of asps. (Deuteronomy 32:30-33)

for the earth's grapes are fully ripe

Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent. (Genesis 9:20-21)

Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.

"Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild grapes?

Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down. I will lay it a wasteland. It won't be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it." For the vineyard of Yahweh of Armies is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress. (Isaiah 5:1-7)

Be instructed, Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from you; lest I make you a desolation, a land not inhabited. Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grape gatherer into the baskets.

To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they can't listen: behold, the word of Yahweh is become to them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the wrath of Yahweh; I am weary with holding in: pour it out on the children in the street, and on the assembly of young men together; for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him who is full of days. Their houses shall be turned to others, their fields and their wives together; for I will stretch out my hand on the inhabitants of the land, says Yahweh. For from the least of them even to the greatest of them everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says Yahweh. (Jeremiah 6:8-15)

This ripeness of these metaphorical grapes can represent the maturation of evil in the hearts and lives of those refusing a love of the truth, who harden their hearts to the kindness and mercies of their Creator until they are ripe for destruction.

Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great." Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:13-14)

While this next parable is not directly about grape vines, it was set by Jesus as taking place in a vineyard. I find His choice of metaphors significant given the interesting thread of fig trees throughout Scripture. From my study about the meaning of fig trees through the Bible, I came to a personal conclusion that possibly the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil just might have been a fig tree, given that our first parents took refuge to hide and used its leaves to try to cover up their sense of shame from their sudden awareness of their nakedness. If so, it could resonate with how this harvest plays out in the end.

He spoke this parable. "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. He said to the vine dresser, 'Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil?' He answered, 'Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it, and fertilize it. If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.'" (Luke 13:6-9)

The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth

The word translated here as thrust in is significantly different from the parallel word used for the previous harvest. This word literally does mean 'into,' while the previous one means on or over, even above the earth. It appears to indicate a difference in method concerning how reaping takes place between the first and second harvest in this chapter.

The word translated here as gathered actually means to dry ripe fruit, to gather, to collect the vintage. Another translation renders it this way:

So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. (Revelation 14:19 NAS95)

threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God

The word translated here as threw it into is the same word describing how the sickle was used in the first part of this verse. As pointed out above, this is different from how the first Reaper used His sickle.

This action might imply retaliation on the part of Satan for being cast out of heaven, though as we saw previously it more likely transpired a different way. That is part of unraveling the difference between how God operates in this war versus how Satan and his followers rely on coercion to gain and maintain control.

Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. He has on his garment and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, "Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, and small and great."

I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army. The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:15-21)

Note who is itemized here and get a hint of who is thrown into the winepress of the wrath of God. Keep in mind that wrath means letting go of protection, not the opposite.

Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Why are you red in your clothing, and your garments like him who treads in the wine vat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no man with me: yes, I trod them in my anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my wrath, it upheld me. I trod down the peoples in my anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth. (Isaiah 63:1-6)

How does this inform us as to the way Jesus is related to this metaphor? Is Jesus the direct cause of what we are reading here in this second harvest, or is this prophecy informing us of how completely He identified with the consequences of all His enemy's sins leaving them no excuse to be lost? He has already taken on the full effects of all the sins of the world that results from embracing false identity outside of what God says about our worth and value to Him. Christ fully absorbed the effects of sin, leaving us free to embrace His identity as our own if we will simply believe what He says is true about God's disposition towards us. He put to death our false identity, pouring out His blood representative of our death to the old creature, in order that any willing to accept Him in to take residence inside of them may live a new life in Christ, filled with the life of His Spirit.

The winepress was trodden outside of the city

We just read the following passage where it specifically mentioned that the winepress was carved inside the vineyard.

Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. (Isaiah 5:1-2)

Why does it now say that the winepress was trodden outside the city?

He took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that he had built in the mountain of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. (2 Chronicles 33:15)

But afterward he sent to them his son, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But the farmers, when they saw the son, said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and seize his inheritance.' So they took him, and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. (Matthew 21:37-39)

Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some. Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But those farmers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. (Mark 12:5-8)

The lord of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be that seeing him, they will respect him.' "But when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.' They threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do to them? (Luke 20:13-15)

For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside of the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate. Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. For we don't have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come. Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name. (Hebrews 13:11-15)

blood came out from the winepress

For my sword has drunk its fill in the sky. Behold, it will come down on Edom, and on the people of my curse, for judgment. Yahweh's sword is filled with blood. It is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah, And a great slaughter in the land of Edom. The wild oxen will come down with them, and the young bulls with the mighty bulls; and their land will be drunken with blood, and their dust made greasy with fat. (Isaiah 34:5-7)

I heard the angel of the waters saying, "You are righteous, who are and who were, you Holy One, because you have judged these things. For they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this." (Revelation 16:5-6)

The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth.

I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement. (Revelation 17:4, 6)

In those days, the father will be beaten together with his sons, in one place; and brothers shall fall together with their friends, in death, until a stream shall flow with their blood. For a man shall not be able to withhold his hands from his sons nor from (his) sons’ sons in order to kill them. Nor is it possible for the sinner to withhold his hands from his honored brother. From dawn until the sun sets, they shall slay each other. The horse shall walk through the blood of sinners up to his chest; and the chariot shall sink down up to its top. (1 Enoch 100:3)

even to the bridles of the horses

Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. Indeed, we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. (James 3:1-3)

One meaning that may explain this symbol of a bridle, has to do with what methods are used to control or guide someone. This is a start for unpacking this prophecy involving a harvest.

Here is another clue that when couched in the context of the whole chapter offers more significant options regarding the meaning of what we are looking at here.

Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke. His lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire. His breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples. (Isaiah 30:27-28)

Here we find close correlation to what we are studying in Revelation. An overflowing stream that reaches to the neck coupled a reference to a bridle. What is even more insightful is to unpack the fuller context in which this passage is located. That we shall do that in the next proposal relating to this harvest.