For the better part of the previous two chapters, John’s vision has involved three strange and terrifying figures: the great red dragon (Satan) and two beasts, one that rises from the sea and the other which comes from the land. The coercive power and deceptive tactics of this unholy alliance are leveraged to lead the people of the world into idolatry. It takes only the slightest degree of discernment to see this diabolical work active in the world today.

But these dread visions are answered by what he describes in the opening words of chapter 14. Now instead of Satan and his allies, John looks and sees a Lamb (vs. 1). These words are a much needed reminder that no matter how great the opposition mounted by Satan against the church, the Lamb wins. The ultimate hope we have in the face of all the evil in the world is the Lamb who is enthroned in glory. Not only that, John sees the whole company of God’s redeemed people once again symbolized in a holy army of 144,000.

Here John helps us see beyond the awful schemes of the evil one into that bright day when the victory of the Lamb and his people will be brought to fulfillment. On that day, the Lamb and his people will stand on Mount Zion and sing the new song of redemption resounding like the roar of ocean waves and the mighty clap of thunder.