Revelation 7
After the six seals of judgment were revealed John was given an intermission, so to speak. He didn’t take a bathroom break or buy candy but as the curtain fell he’s back in the throne room; way better than M&M’s. This reprieve reassures us there’s no fear for believers during the times of great tribulation since we’re marked for His ownership and therefore, His protection.
Yes, the judgments covered all directions across the earth but before the seventh seal was revealed John needed, as we do, to stand with confidence believing His Church, His Bride, who’s alive during that time will come through it victoriously.
The seal on the forehead of the symbolic 144,000 is fascinating when you view the lower to the upper story. In Ex. 28:36-38 God set apart the priest with special clothing; one piece was the golden plate resting on his forehead engraved with the words: HOLY TO THE LORD. The priest was separated from the world and unto God as we are (upper story) now; Rev. 1:6 ‘we are a kingdom of priests’. I find the Old Testament confirming the New throughout this book making the symbolism come to life for believers today.
Who are the 144,000 who receive the seal of His ownership? They must include believing Jews (a remnant, Rom. 9:27) but also believing non-Jews or Gentiles. Abraham’s covenant with God predicted many nations being blessed due to the Jewish Messiah; we are a product of that covenant.
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Every believer is sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13) but Paul reminds us that Jew and Gentile actually become ‘one new man’ in Christ (Eph. 2:13-18, 3:6) inheriting the same promises. 12 Jewish patriarchs and 12 apostles spreading the gospel with great multiplication equals 144. The number 1,000 in the Bible symbolizes a large number that is complete (Rom. 11:25).
John observed a great multitude of believers in the Throne Room dressed in dazzling white and waving palm branches symbolizing another Triumphant Entry like Palm Sunday. With loud shouts of praise the entire Throne Room broke into victorious declarations to the King.
An elder asked John if he knew who the ‘great multitude’ was and proceeded to answer the question; they’re the ones who endure to the end sheltered with His presence. There will be an end to the hunger, thirst, and scorching heat because their Good Shepherd will guide them back to the garden and springs of living water. No more grief but simply serving God day and night in this heavenly temple.
This drama is a gift to us securing our faith and hope that no matter what the world experiences, He is Immanuel, God with us. He’ll get us through one way or another never forsaking His Bride: The Church.
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