John describes Jesus as the “Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle” (Revelation 14:14, NKJV). The word for “crown” is stephanos. It is a victor’s crown. When an athlete won an important contest, he was given a stephanos, a crown of honor, of glory, of victory.

Jesus once wore a crown of thorns, symbolizing shame and mockery. He was once despised and rejected of men. He was reviled, ridiculed, spat upon, beaten, and whipped. But now He wears a crown of glory and comes again but now as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Read Revelation 14:15 and Mark 4:26-29. What similarities do you see between the texts? What are they both talking about?

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The angel comes from the presence of God in the glory of the temple and says, “It’s time. The harvest is fully ripe.” Go and get Your children and bring them home.

Jesus uses illustrations from agriculture repeatedly in the New Testament. On more than one occasion He uses the symbolism of a ripening harvest to illustrate the growth of the seed of the gospel in the lives of His people.

“The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development, our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase.” — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, Pages 65, 66.

The ripening of the golden grain represents all those transformed by grace, motivated by love, and living obedient lives to the glory of Christ’s name. Their hearts are one with Jesus’ heart, and all they want is what He wants.

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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Read Revelation 14:14 and Acts 1:9-11. What similarities do you discover?

John states that “I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man” (Revelation 14:14, NKJV). When Jesus ascended to heaven, Luke records in Acts 1:9 that as the disciples stood gazing up into heaven, “while they watched, He [Jesus] was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (NKJV). Jesus ascended in a cloud of angels and will return with a cloud of angels.

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The angels then declared to the amazed disciples in Acts 1:11, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven“ (NKJV). There is a divine truth embedded in this passage that may not be apparent. This “same Jesus,” the “Son of Man,” the One who walked the dusty streets of Nazareth, ministered in the crowded streets of Jerusalem, healed the sick in the villages of Israel, and preached on the grassy hillsides of Galilee is coming again.

The Son of Man is also mentioned in the light of the judgment in Daniel 7:1-28.

Read Daniel 7:9-10, , Daniel 7:13-14. Why did Daniel call Jesus the “Son of Man” in something as serious as the judgment? What, given what we have already looked at, should be comforting in knowing that the “Son of Man” is so central to judgment?

In Daniel 7:9-10, , Daniel views the seating of the heavenly court with ten thousand times ten thousand of angelic, heavenly beings gathered around the throne. The judgment is set, and the books — the celestial records of our lives — are opened before the universe. In Daniel 7:13-14, , the Son of Man approaches the Ancient of Days, the Father, and receives His eternal kingdom. The judgment reveals before the entire universe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have done everything possible to save all humanity. This judgment vindicates not only the saints but God’s own character against the false charges of Satan (see Job 1:1-2:13, Psalm 51:1-4).

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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Revelation chapter 14 contains the key texts in regard to the Lord’s last-day message to His people and to the world. Central to it all is the return of Jesus, the fulfillment of His promise that “you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven“ (Mark 14:62, NKJV).

Read Revelation 14:14. What title is used to describe Jesus as He returns to earth? Why do you think John uses this title for Jesus?

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Jesus used the term “Son of Man” to refer to Himself 82 times in the Gospels. It was one of His favorite titles. He used it as an expression of endearment to identify with us. He is a Savior who understands us, has experienced our temptations, and has passed through our trials. He is the “Son of Man” who is returning to take us home. The Jesus who comes for us is the same Jesus who lived among us. He is qualified to redeem us because He became One of us, and yet, as one of us, He met the full fury of Satan’s temptations and, yes, was victorious.

What do we learn from the following Bible verses in Matthew about Jesus, the Son of Man?

Matthew 16:27

Matthew 24:27, 

Matthew 24:30

Matthew 25:31-32

Notice some elements in these passages: (1) Jesus, the Son of Man, is coming in glory with His angels. (2) He will divide the sheep from the goats (basically a judgment). (3) The destiny of the nations and all humanity will be decided for eternity.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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And he [Elijah] said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”…… Yet I [God] have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:14,18 NKJV

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Yes, Elijah was living during a time of severe apostasy from truth, but he was not the only one left who was true to God. Elijah thought he had to run from Israel because of the apostasy, while God assured him He had 7,000 faithful people who had not run away from Israel.

For several years now, I have heard people in the church complain that they are the only ones still preaching the three angels’ message, while on the other hand, I have heard many preachers preaching the three angels’ message. There are also many authors in the church still writing about our special message. As with Elijah, it is tempting, while many are apostatizing from the truth, to think we are the only faithful ones left. However, just as John predicted in Revelation 14:6-12, the three angels’ message is being proclaimed to every creature on earth. God does have a people who are faithful to Him and keep His commandments.  So, why are so many tempted to think they are the only true worshipers left? Why do some preachers and teachers even suggest they are the last ones still teaching this special truth? 

1. Like Elijah, they may be very discouraged by the apostasy, and feeling isolated, but they need to be encouraged as Elijah was, that God still has thousands in the church, who remain faithful and are not running away.

2. Or they could be on an ego trip and wanting to put themselves in an elite group or class of the “remnant of the remnant,” thus elevating themselves above everyone else. Years ago, I was at a men’s ministry retreat where the speaker kept reiterating, over several discourses, how men everywhere were falling into sin and immorality, and in each illustration he was the only man in the story doing the right thing. After several of his presentations, a group of us men were on a walk, when it started being discussed that this speaker was presenting himself as “the last good man left on earth.” None of us were buying it, and sadly, a couple of years later, this man was caught having an affair. He was clearly not the last good man left!

3. Satan will create conflicts, trying to work things to where God’s faithful people will have personality issues with each other, and isolate from each other. Is it possible Elijah was aware of the other 7,000, but just did not get along with them? Nothing in Scripture indicates that this was or was not the case. It is something for us to consider in our own personal cases, when we feel isolated for the sake of truth.

Remember, it was Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-14 who wanted to isolate himself into a class all his own. It is God who tells us there are 7,000 more for every one of us who thinks he is alone. It is God who told John the Revelator,  in Revelation 7, that there is a faithful multitude which cannot even be numbered .

During times of widespread apostasy, Satan wants to discourage God’s people by making them feel alone, or send them on an ego trip by making them feel they are in a special class by themselves. Yes, in the last days, we are facing widespread apostasy, but let’s not neutralize the power of the everlasting gospel given by the first angel, by trying to make it look like we are the last ones preaching truth, and are in a special class all by ourselves. During apostasy, we need unity more than ever. Let’s not put ourselves in a special class above the 7,000 faithful who do not run away from the church. Let’s not isolate ourselves from the multitude of faithful who are way beyond number. Let’s all keep faithfully and humbly preaching Bible Truth, and pray for and encourage God’s faithful people in our church and around the world.

Amen!(2)

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“Three Cosmic Messages” encourages us to 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 as we near the end of this old world’s history to witness the Second Coming of our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful hymn to give courage, dear people, and is our theme for this quarter.

 We will be noting at times throughout the quarter that 
‘Tis Almost Time For The Lord To Come – Hymn 212 and we should be proclaiming the message that
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213.

 For this week’s study, Matthew 24:14 says 
Go, Preach My Gospel – Hymn 378 with Revelation 14:14-20 telling us 
Let Every Lamp Be Burning Bright – Hymn 595 and 
Hymn 211 – Lo! He Comes.

Sunday asks the question if we are for or against Jesus. May we all choose to be faithful: 
O Brother, Be Faithful – Hymn 602 and then 
Tell It To Every Kindred and Nation – Hymn 202.

It won’t be long and “The Son of Man Returns” so 
Watch, Ye Saints – Hymn 598 (Monday).

 Hymn 416 – The Judgment Has Set is our reminder for Tuesday.

I cannot wait to see “The Victor’s Crown” of our Lord Jesus:  
Hymn 199 – The Head That Once Was Crowned and 
Hymn 223 – Crown Him With Many Crowns.

In today’s world we see that 
Far And Near The Fields Are Teeming – Hymn 358 as is stated in Thursday’s study time.

 “God call us now….to surrender our lives to Him”, says Friday’s finale: 
Hymn 309 – I Surrender All.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(1)

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