Trying to Understand 'The Mark'

Scripture: A third Angel followed, shouting, warning, "If anyone worships the Beast and its image and takes the mark on forehead or hand, that person will drink the wine of God’s wrath, prepared unmixed in his chalice of anger, and suffer torment from fire and brimstone in the presence of Holy Angels, in the presence of the Lamb." Revelation 14:9-10

Observation: As angels pronounce glory and woes upon the earth, this angel again brings up the mark of the beast. The most dreadful element of this mark is the punishment for receiving it ... eternity burning in fire, suffering torment, as part of the full and undiluted wrath of God.

Application: Our era has had talk about 'the mark' and about how it is applied. Certainly, knowing that our Lord is loving and merciful and kind, one thing is certain ... the mark cannot be applied without our full knowledge and intent. The Lord would not do that; he would not allow billions to suffer by accidentally doing something. Betrayal of the Lord - betrayal that warrants permanent suffering - can only be intentional.

I have no idea what 'the mark' would ever be. I have no idea how end-times work. I have no idea about almost everything ever said about Revelation, barely even understanding the modern interpretations let alone the original text. However, I trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, as we proceed through difficult times, I do not know how, or even if, they fit into any of the narrative of Revelation. And my understanding of this is not necessary. May I only know you more and more, every hour of every day. Amen.