https://esv.literalword.com/?q=revelation+7
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 12 October 2024:
Revelation 7:1-4 — After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel….
The four angels had the power to unleash God’s judgment on the whole earth, which was being restrained until all the servants of God had been “sealed,” a stamp of ownership and protection. (See also Revelation 9:1; Ezekiel 9:1-6; John 6:27; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Timothy 2:19; and Revelation 22:4). Those with God’s mark on their foreheads stand in contrast with those who have the mark of the beast on their foreheads (Rev. 13:6; 14:9; 20:4).
There are many differing opinions on who the 144,000 are. I believe the number is symbolic 12 x 12 x 1000, or perfect completion x perfect completion x fulfilment, referring to all those from across the globe who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and are sealed with His Name as His, protected by God’s judgment. Here is an article on the identity of the 144,000 — https://www.crossway.org/articles/who-are-the-144000-revelation-7/
Revelation 7:14 — These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
A great multitude of believers, “more than can be numbered, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” do not escape the great tribulation but are protected through it, not physically but spiritually.
From Ligonier Ministries – “John sees an innumerable multitude of believers from every tribe and tongue worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:9–12), but more must be said about their identity. Thus, in Revelation 7:13–15, the company of worshipers is further described. This happens through an interchange in which one of the twenty-four elders asks John to tell him who these worshipers are. John responds that the elder knows, and then the elder goes on to tell John explicitly about the great multitude. Before we look at the elder’s description, let us note that this kind of question and answer session is relatively common in Jewish literature of the time. In fact, the device goes as far back in Jewish history to at least the prophet Ezekiel in sixth century BC. Ezekiel 37 features the Lord asking the prophet a question that He already knows the answer to, which Ezekiel acknowledges. Similarly, in Revelation 7:13–15, the elder asks a question of John but does not really expect an answer. He knows who the multitude is.
The innumerable multitude of verses 9–17 consists of believers from every tribe and tongue, but these are believers who have come through the “great tribulation” and have washed their clothes white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). This multitude, in fact, consists of those who have been persecuted for their faith. Daniel 12:1 predicts a period of great trouble for God’s people before the final judgment, so this is likely what is in view here. Before the consummation of all things, there must be a period of suffering, and those who come through it without abandoning their trust in God through Christ make up the worshiping multitude. This is the church triumphant, the believers who have remained true to Jesus and have passed on to glory. Most likely, individuals who have been martyred for their faith are particularly in view here, but all those who die in faith, even if they have not been killed for trusting in Jesus, will participate in this multitude.
Again in the book of Revelation, we have assurance that God will not overlook our suffering for the sake of Christ. We may have to die in order to stay faithful to Jesus, but those who persevere will be clothed with robes washed in the blood of Christ. They will be vindicated before the whole world on judgment day as the true people of God. Moreover, they will lack nothing. Any deprivation suffered for the sake of Jesus in this world will be more than made up for in the world to come (Rev. 7:15–17).
In this world we must endure much pain and sadness. We may even lose everything for Christ. But it will all be worth it. Do we really believe this? So often, we find ourselves becoming too attached to our possessions, fearing their loss. Yet while we should enjoy the good gifts that God gives us in this world, we must hold on to them loosely lest they become idols. Remembering that the best is yet to come for us will help us do just that.”
Revelation 7:15 — Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
In a sense, Heaven on earth is experienced being in the presence of God now, serving God in His presence day and night (see John 17). Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) Eternal life begins the day you accept Jesus as your Savior and grow to know Him more and more each day for eternity.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 12 October 2024: Praise God today!
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 