The Judgment and Mercy of the Son of Man

Devotional

Day 1: The Certainty and Justice of Christ’s Coming Judgment

The return of Jesus as the Son of Man, crowned and holding a sharp sickle, is a vivid reminder that God’s judgment is both certain and perfectly just. This is not a distant or abstract event, but a real moment in history when Christ will separate those who belong to Him from those who have rejected Him. The imagery of the harvest and the winepress in Revelation 14 underscores the seriousness of sin and the reality that God’s patience will one day give way to righteous judgment. Yet, this same Jesus who judges is the one who first came to save, offering every opportunity for repentance before that final day arrives. [31:36]

Revelation 14:14-20 (CSB)
Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and one like the Son of Man was seated on the cloud, with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the one who was seated on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap, for the time to reap has come, since the harvest of the earth is ripe.” So the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. Then another angel who also had a sharp sickle came out of the temple in heaven. Yet another angel, who had authority over fire, came from the altar, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vineyard of the earth, because its grapes have ripened.” So the angel swung his sickle at the earth and gathered the grapes from the vineyard of the earth, and he threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. Then the press was trampled outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press up to the horses’ bridles for about 180 miles.

Reflection: When you consider the certainty of Christ’s return and judgment, is there someone in your life you feel prompted to pray for or share the gospel with before that day comes?

Day 2: God’s Patient Desire for Repentance

God’s heart is not to condemn but to save, and His patience is a profound expression of His mercy. He delays judgment so that more people might come to repentance and experience salvation through Jesus Christ. This patience is not weakness, but love in action—giving every person another opportunity to turn from sin and receive the gift of eternal life. As recipients of this grace, we are called to reflect God’s heart by sharing the message of repentance and hope with those around us, knowing that time is precious and God’s desire is for all to be saved. [36:21]

2 Peter 3:9 (CSB)
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

Reflection: Who in your circle of family or friends might be waiting for someone to share God’s patient love and the message of repentance with them? How can you be that messenger this week?

Day 3: Jesus, the Sacrificial Substitute Who Bore God’s Wrath

Jesus Christ, though sinless, willingly took upon Himself the full weight of God’s wrath for our sins. On the cross, He became our substitute, enduring the punishment we deserved so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. This act of sacrificial love is the foundation of our salvation and the reason we can stand before God without fear of condemnation. Remembering the depth of Christ’s sacrifice should move us to gratitude, worship, and a renewed commitment to live for Him, knowing that our salvation is entirely by His grace. [34:36]

Isaiah 53:4-6 (NIV)
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Reflection: In what specific way can you express your gratitude to Jesus today for bearing the wrath you deserved?

Day 4: The Urgency and Responsibility of Sharing the Gospel

The reality of coming judgment and the preciousness of God’s patience place a holy urgency on the mission of every believer. We are not only recipients of the gospel but also its messengers, called to share the good news with those who have not yet heard or responded. Every encounter—whether at the grocery store, the gas station, or around the family table—is an opportunity to sow seeds of truth and hope. The responsibility is not to make others believe, but to faithfully share, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work of drawing hearts to Christ. [42:12]

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally share the gospel with someone in your daily routine?

Day 5: The Joy of Salvation and the Call to Respond

There is no greater joy in heaven or on earth than when a soul turns to Christ and is saved. Salvation is not something we can earn or achieve, but a gift received by admitting our sin, repenting, and believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. This invitation is open to all, and every believer is called to celebrate and support those who make this life-changing decision. If you have not yet responded to Christ’s call, today is the day of salvation; if you have, rejoice and pray for others to experience this same joy. [01:01:16]

Luke 15:7 (NIV)
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Reflection: If you have already trusted Christ, who can you pray for by name today, asking God to bring them to salvation and to let you share in the joy of their new life? If you have not yet responded, what is holding you back from calling on Jesus today?

Sermon Summary

Revelation 14:14-20 paints a sobering picture of the coming judgment of God—a reality that is both terrifying and necessary because of God’s perfect holiness and justice. The vision John receives is not just a warning, but a call to recognize the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s mercy. Jesus, the Son of Man, is depicted with a golden crown and a sharp sickle, ready to reap the harvest of the earth. This is a fulfillment of prophecies from Joel, Daniel, and Isaiah, all pointing to a day when God will finally deal with evil and rebellion.

Yet, even as judgment is certain, God’s heart is revealed in His patience. He does not desire that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Throughout history, God has sent prophets, apostles, and now, us—His church—to call people to turn from sin and receive the gift of salvation. The cross stands as the ultimate demonstration of God’s justice and mercy meeting: Jesus bore the wrath we deserved so that we could be spared from the judgment to come.

This passage is not meant to simply frighten, but to awaken us to the urgency of the gospel. Every person we encounter—family, friends, neighbors—has an eternal destiny. The reality of coming judgment should move us to compassion and boldness, not complacency. We are called to be on mission, to sow seeds of the gospel, and to pray for the lost, knowing that God is still giving opportunities for repentance.

The imagery of the winepress, the blood flowing for miles, and the gathering of the nations against God is not just apocalyptic drama—it is a reminder that sin has real consequences, and that God’s justice will not be mocked. But for those who are in Christ, there is assurance: we are saved, not by our own merit, but by the finished work of Jesus. Our response should be gratitude, worship, and a renewed commitment to share this hope with others.

As we approach times of gathering—like Thanksgiving—let us remember that God may be giving us one more opportunity to share the truth with someone who needs to hear it. Let us not shrink back from the hard truths, but speak them in love, trusting the Holy Spirit to do the work only He can do.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Judgment Is Both Just and Inevitable God’s holiness demands that sin be dealt with, and His judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly just. The coming harvest and winepress imagery remind us that there will be a final reckoning for all who persist in rebellion. This should sober us, but also deepen our awe of God’s righteousness and the seriousness of sin. [31:36]
2. God’s Patience Is an Expression of His Mercy Though judgment is coming, God delays out of love, giving every opportunity for repentance. His patience is not weakness, but a profound mercy, offering chance after chance for people to turn to Him. We should never take this patience for granted, but let it move us to gratitude and urgency in sharing the gospel. [36:21]
3. The Cross Is Where Justice and Mercy Meet Jesus bore the wrath of God on our behalf, taking the punishment we deserved. The cross is not just a symbol of love, but of the seriousness with which God treats sin and the lengths He goes to redeem us. Our salvation is costly, and this should lead us to deep humility and worship. [34:36]
4. The Urgency of the Gospel Mission Knowing what is at stake, we are called to be bold and compassionate witnesses. Every encounter is an opportunity to sow seeds of truth, trusting God to bring the harvest. The reality of coming judgment should not paralyze us, but propel us into loving action for the sake of others’ souls. [42:12]
5. Assurance and Responsibility for Believers For those in Christ, there is assurance of salvation and escape from judgment—not because of our works, but because of Jesus. Yet, this assurance comes with responsibility: to live on mission, to pray for the lost, and to answer God’s call, whether to ministry, missions, or faithful witness in daily life. [61:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:00] - Thanksgiving for Christ’s Sacrifice
[28:23] - The Reality and Purpose of Hell
[29:02] - God’s Desire for Relationship
[30:33] - The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
[31:36] - God’s Justice and Holiness
[32:49] - Prophetic Background: Joel and Armageddon
[34:36] - Jesus Bears God’s Wrath
[36:21] - God’s Patience and Our Mission
[37:23] - The Church’s Call to Evangelism
[38:50] - The Son of Man and Coming Judgment
[40:28] - Jesus’ Teaching on the Final Harvest
[42:12] - Our Responsibility to Share the Gospel
[43:55] - Jesus Came to Save, Not Condemn
[44:49] - Everyday Mission Opportunities
[46:34] - The Coming End and Final Judgment
[47:51] - The Good News in Light of Judgment
[49:47] - The Battle of Armageddon
[51:27] - The Defeat of Evil
[53:29] - The Winepress of God’s Wrath
[54:47] - Prophecies Fulfilled: Isaiah and Zechariah
[57:06] - The Unimaginable Scene of Judgment
[58:50] - A Plea to Respond to Christ
[59:41] - The Only Way of Escape
[61:16] - Invitation to Salvation and Mission
[62:13] - Prayer for Salvation and Boldness
[69:17] - Special Prayer for Addie’s Surgery
[71:07] - Praying for Addie’s Recovery and Family
[72:44] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 14:14-20 (NIV) — 14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one “like a son of man” with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16 So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
17 Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.” 19 The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. 20 They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.

Observation Questions

In John’s vision, how is Jesus (“the Son of Man”) described, and what is he holding? What does this imagery suggest about his role? ([38:50])
What is the significance of the “harvest” and the “winepress” in this passage? How are these images used to describe God’s judgment? ([53:29])
According to the sermon, what Old Testament prophecies are being fulfilled in this passage? ([32:49])
What does the passage say happens to those who persist in rebellion against God? ([54:47])

Interpretation Questions

Why is God’s judgment described as both “terrifying and necessary” in the sermon? How does this relate to God’s holiness and justice? ([31:36])
The sermon mentions that God’s patience is an expression of his mercy. How does this patience show up in the way God deals with humanity, both in the Bible and today? ([36:21])
The cross is described as the place where justice and mercy meet. What does it mean that Jesus “bore the wrath we deserved,” and how should this shape our understanding of salvation? ([34:36])
The reality of coming judgment is said to create “urgency” for the gospel mission. Why should the knowledge of God’s judgment move believers to action rather than fear or complacency? ([42:12])

Application Questions

The sermon says that God’s judgment is just and inevitable, and that sin has real consequences. Is there an area in your life where you have been taking sin lightly? What would it look like to take it more seriously this week? ([31:36])
God’s patience is described as “profound mercy.” Have you ever taken God’s patience for granted? How can you respond with gratitude and urgency instead? ([36:21])
The cross is not just a symbol of love, but also of the seriousness of sin. How does remembering the cost of your salvation affect your attitude toward worship and daily living? ([34:36])
The sermon challenges us to see every encounter as an opportunity to share the gospel. Think of someone you will see this week (maybe at Thanksgiving or another gathering) who needs to hear the truth. What is one practical step you can take to share your faith with them? ([44:49])
For those who are in Christ, there is assurance of salvation, but also responsibility. In what ways can you be more intentional about praying for the lost or living “on mission” in your daily life? ([01:01:16])
The imagery of the winepress and the coming judgment is sobering. How does this affect your compassion for people who don’t know Jesus? Does it change the way you see your neighbors, coworkers, or family members? ([53:29])
The sermon mentions that God gives us “one more opportunity” to share the truth. Is there a conversation you’ve been avoiding because it feels hard or uncomfortable? What would it look like to trust the Holy Spirit and speak the truth in love this week? ([37:23])

Sermon Clips

As we continue our journey through the book of Revelation and specifically Revelation chapter 14, last week we talked about really the characteristics and the truth of hell and what hell looks like. And hell is eternal torment. It is eternal damnation. It is eternal separation from the Lord. There is no annihilationism. And we think, well, that's really rough. That's really difficult. And why in the world would God send someone there? Well, we choose to go there. God never intended for any of us, his image bearers, to go to hell. That is our choice. We choose to reject him. We choose to rebel against him. [00:30:03] (41 seconds) #EternalChoice

God is perfect in judgment and in wrath. As I prayed a little earlier and as we talked about in our foundations class earlier during Sunday school about sowing seeds, is that Jesus took upon himself at the cross God's wrath that we richly deserved. Now what do you mean by that? Jesus never sinned, never had one bad thought, never said one bad word. But he had to be the ultimate sacrifice for us. And so when he was on the cross, God placed all of his wrath for our sin upon the shoulders of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:34:13] (42 seconds) #JesusTookTheWrath

Time and time again, Jesus would preach repentance for the kingdom of God is here. Then Paul and the apostles, they would preach the same message. Why? Because Jesus wants his image bearers, he wants them to confess their sin, repent of their sin, and come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. And that's not just during the Bible times. That's still today. 2 Peter chapter 3 verse 9, I referenced it a few moments ago. God is patient. Why is he patient? So that we would all repent of our sins and come to know him. [00:35:59] (38 seconds) #CallToRepentance

``We better be glad that God is patient because if we're asking for fairness, don't ever ask for fairness from God. The only thing is fair for us would be for us to die in our sin. It is because of God's beautiful grace and mercy and love and compassion that he is patient with us. And so he sends people to us to share the good news of the gospel. Why? Because he doesn't want any to go to hell. [00:36:37] (31 seconds) #GodsPatientLove

We're in this together. This is the church's responsibility. It is the church's call. It is the church's command. And as we share the gospel, we need to make sure we share with them that one day Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Son of Man, will have a sickle in his hand. Yes, I know it's not a comforting thought, and you're saying, well, they're not going to listen to me. You're not there to make them listen. You're just there to share the truth with them. The Holy Spirit has to draw them to himself. [00:42:43] (31 seconds) #MissionEverywhere

So Jesus first came to save us from our sins, not to judge us. But eventually he is going to come to judge us. But we're in the time period where Jesus has come to save the world. Your family members, your friends, your co-workers, people you met this past week, Jesus has come to save them. We're in that right now. [00:44:03] (26 seconds) #GospelHope

But eventually, eventually, judgment is going to come. At some point, God is going to say, enough. My patience is done. I've given them an opportunity. I'm going to do exactly what John chapter 5 verse 24 tells us. John 5:24-30, truly I tell you, Jesus says, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, will not come under judgment, but is passed from death to life. [00:45:56] (36 seconds) #WarnTheLost

I don't take comfort in talking about all of this blood. I don't take comfort in talking about all of this death and destruction. But I must be obedient to what the word of God says. I must share that. I must let you know that if you are still lost and you're rejecting the Lord, and if for some reason you're alive during this time period, you're going to be a part of that. [00:59:01] (35 seconds)

If you know a lost person, don't you want them to avoid this judgment? If that's a family member, I surely, hopefully, you want them to avoid this judgment. Coworker, don't you want them to avoid this judgment? Family member, classmate, neighbor, when's it going to happen? I have no idea. No clue. I just know that I'm not going to be a part of it, not because of anything I've done, but because of who Jesus is and what he's done. [01:00:02] (38 seconds)

You too can avoid it, but I can't make you avoid it. I can't make you be saved. You have to admit you're a sinner. You have to confess that sin. You have to repent of that sin. And you have to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and he came to offer you victory over your sin. [01:00:42] (22 seconds)

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