The Alpha and Omega of Worship: From the Manger to the Three Angels Copy

Revelation 14:7

"Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."

We can find the profound consistency of the biblical narrative: the call to worship the Creator in the first angel's message is inseparable from the One who lay in the manger. Jesus’s service on earth was the Divine Foundation that confirmed God’s right to our worship, proving that the Law of God is a law of love. While the world wanders in "moral darkness," looking for salvation in human systems, the Spirit of Prophecy points us back to the "most important thing"—the union of the human and the divine. By recognizing Christ as the Creator who became a servant, we understand that the final call to "worship Him" is not a call to fear, but a response to the heart of the One who died for us.

These devotional thoughts highlight that the religious leaders at Christ's first coming missed the "Message" because they were blinded by their own traditions and earthly expectations. Similarly, the final message of the Three Angels warns us against a "form of godliness" that denies the power of the Creator. The Spirit of Prophecy notes that the same pride and self-sufficiency that led to the rejection of the Babe of Bethlehem will lead many to reject the final warning to the world. We are called to a stewardship of truth, ensuring that our lives reflect the Natural Fruit of a genuine relationship with the Creator—a holiness that is grounded in His service and sacrifice.

A powerful illustration of this comes from the early days of the Great Disappointment. While many were focused only on the date of the return, the faithful few began to realize that the "Message" was about the character of the One who was coming. One pioneer family, though struggling with poverty, spent their final resources to print tracts explaining the connection between the Law of God and the character of Christ. They realized that you cannot truly "Fear God and give glory to Him" without first knowing Him as the humble Servant of the manger. Their sacrifice ensured that the heart of the third angel's message was rooted in the love of the Incarnation, providing a solid foundation for the remnant church.

Biblical Research Institute emphasize that the Three Angels' Messages are the "Everlasting Gospel" in a setting of judgment. This means the Gospel has never changed; it is the same truth that was whispered by angels to the shepherds, now being shouted to every nation, kindred, and tongue. The consistency of God's plan is seen in His desire to dwell with His people—first in the Tabernacle, then in the flesh, and finally in the hearts of those who keep His commandments. This divine plan provides the absolute assurance that the Creator who began the work in the manger will faithfully complete it at His second coming.

This devotional concludes that our preparation for the final crisis is found in our daily recognition of Christ's service. If we fail to see Him in the "lowly manger" of our current circumstances or in the needs of our neighbors, we may miss Him when He appears in the clouds of heaven. Just as the manger was the Living Evidence that validated the Gospel, our lives of obedience and mission are the Visible Proof that will light the world with His glory. This week, as you study the final warnings of Revelation, remember that the "loud voice" of the angel is the same voice that once cried in a stable—calling you to worship the Creator who became your Brother to save you.