Pulpit Today

 The book of Revelation describes the “Great Tribulation” as a time when divine wrath is unleashed against rebellious men.  For over 2000 years God’s grace has appealed for man’s repentance, but during the Tribulation He unleashes the powers of heaven to regain man’s attention.  Vials of wrath spill forth, the Four Horsemen are unleashed, even nature rebels.  And man, with all his prideful prowess, will faint before this apocalyptic turmoil.  He has picked a fight with God and is outmatched for this showdown.

Yet, during this time of tribulation God warns an agent of His wrath, “do not harm the oil and the wine” (Revelation 6:6).  Why this prohibition?   Why the restraint?  This command shows that even God’s wrath knows mercy!  He never forgets man’s frailty.  Even when God issues His fiercest wrath He pulls for man’s survival.  Remember that Scripture uses “oil and wine” to symbolize that which is essential for living; it’s what sustains and refreshes.  The Old Testament prophets taught that Jehovah supplied for man’s basic needs (Deuteronomy 7:13; Hosea 2:8).  In the New Testament the Good Samaritan poured in the "oil and wine" (that which was necessary) for the beaten traveler's recovery.  And when Revelation shows God’s wrath poured out with unequalled vengeance, it also demonstrates that God’s goodness will guard the “oil and wine” and permit man’s survival.  This is truly amazing when you consider the doomsday scenario of the Last Days!  Nuclear waste will contaminate the soil; Wormwood will fall upon the waters and they will foam with toxins.  The atmosphere will swirl with noxious fumes.  And yet somehow, at God’s command, the earth will yield its increase.  The command, “do not harm the oil and the wine” seals man’s survival!

It is imperative to understand this apocalyptic prohibition and apply it today, because the “oil and wine” are essential to your welfare.  And there is “oil and wine” from heaven, and “oil and wine” from earth.  While one supplies the essentials of your spirituality, the other supplies the essentials of your humanity.  That means you should never damage the place where the Holy Spirit resides in your life and never harm that which supplies for your earthly purpose and mission.  “Do not harm the oil and the wine” of your life!