The third of three angels completes this solemn warning (Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:12-17; Genesis 19:24; Ezekiel 38:22). He speak loudly; it is a message which men must hear.
It is men who preach the gospel not angels, but those preachers should preach with the authority of angels, even of God himself. Let no one who hears the gospel from a mere human preacher despise it. God speaks to us through our fellow human beings so that we are not overwhelmed, nevertheless men should treat this message as the oracle of God.
The things about to be spoken of are of the utmost importance to God. Are they important to us? Our perception of our danger is so often altogether inadequate. We will be held accountable by God and face the severest possible consequences. This is not something which just a few people do. This is the universal practice of every human being who does not know God. The whole world has practised the false worship that is condemned here.
The people of Babylon were made to bow down to a man-made representation of the beast in the form of the image that was set up by Nebuchadnezzar. They were threatened with death otherwise. They were commanded to bow down, and for the most part the threat had the desired effect. Thus the beast gets the world to conform. Many times during history, the image of the beast has had tangible form, and perhaps it will be so at the end of the world, and the beast will be literally worshipped. Believers must be very clear that when it comes to this point, providence has led them to a place where they are required to pay the ultimate price for their adherence to the truth and to the Lord. God will keep us through such deep waters. Many will have to lay down their lives for the Lord.
‘The same shall drink’ – the language emphasises that God’s response will be to individuals. He scrutinises each life and prepares a just reward for each one. None can escape his notice. God is in heaven but he notices and cares about the individual conduct of each one on earth.