In this particular verse, a voice from heaven speaks, declaring a blessing upon those who die in the Lord. This is a reference to Christians who have lived a faithful life and have died with their faith in Jesus intact.
The phrase "from now on" may indicate that this blessing is specifically for those who die during the period of tribulation that is described in the book of Revelation. This is a time of intense suffering and persecution for believers, and those who remain faithful to the end are promised a reward.
The second half of the verse speaks of rest from labor and the idea that the works of the faithful follow them into the afterlife. This suggests that the works of believers are not forgotten in death but are instead carried forward into eternity. This could be seen as a reference to the idea of rewards in heaven, where the faithful will be judged according to their works and receive a reward for their faithful service.
This is the second of seven blessings in Revelation, a book that opens by blessing those who read and keep its words (Revelation 1:3). The rest it promises answers the martyrs under the altar, who were told that they should "rest yet for a while" (Revelation 6:11). Isaiah spoke of the righteous in the same way: "He enters into peace. They rest in their beds, each one who walks in his uprightness" (Isaiah 57:2). Hebrews adds, "There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his" (Hebrews 4:9-10). The psalmist says, "Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15), and Paul could say that to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). The promise that their works follow them matches Paul's encouragement that "your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Overall, Revelation 14:13 offers a message of hope and encouragement to believers who are facing persecution and suffering in this life. It reminds us that our labor and faithfulness in this life will not be in vain, but will follow us into the afterlife. It also offers the promise of rest and peace for those who die in the Lord, indicating that they will find eternal rest from their labors.
This passage can also serve as a reminder to Christians that our lives on earth are temporary, and that our ultimate hope and reward is in heaven. We are called to live lives of faithful service to God, trusting in the promise of eternal life that is offered through faith in Jesus Christ. And when we face trials and tribulations in this life, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our labor is not in vain and that our ultimate reward is waiting for us in the afterlife.
Revelation 14:13. I heard the voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”