Saturday Dec 11, 2021

Revelation - The 144,000 in Revelation 7 & 14

In a Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, Matthew Vander Els explores the significant imagery of the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation, specifically chapters 7 and 14. The teaching emphasizes that Revelation is not primarily a book of fear or anxiety about the end of the world, but rather a letter of hope and encouragement written to seven real churches in the first century facing tribulation and persecution. It was intended to inspire them to hold onto their faith and be bold witnesses for Jesus (Yeshua).

The discussion begins with the introduction in Revelation 7 of the 144,000 who are described as being sealed by God on their foreheads. This sealing occurs as four angels are holding back destructive forces on the earth. This act of restraint is so that God’s servants can be marked before the tribulations fully unfold. The seal is not to remove them from the coming difficulties but to empower them to endure and stand firm as witnesses against the destructive forces of the "beast." This is likened to being soldiers in a battle against the dragon and the two beasts described later in Revelation.

The concept of a divine mark on the foreheads of God's people is not new, drawing parallels to Ezekiel chapter 9. In Ezekiel, a man dressed in linen with a writing kit is commanded to put a mark (the Hebrew letter "Tav") on the foreheads of those who grieve over the abominations in Jerusalem, protecting them from the coming judgment. Similarly, the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation signifies God's ownership and protection through the trials they will face. It serves as a contrast to the mark of the beast, which is also placed on the forehead. The focus, Vander Els points out, should not be solely on looking for the mark of the beast but on ensuring we have the mark of God.

The number 144,000 itself is symbolic. It is derived from 12,000 individuals from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The number 12 is significant in the Bible, representing God's covenant people and his kingdom. Multiplying 12 by 12 gives 144, and then multiplying by 1,000, a number often used in Scripture to denote a vast and complete multitude, suggests the fullness of God's people. This could represent an unimaginably large group of God's people prepared for battle through their witness.

The listing of the tribes in Revelation 7 resembles the census taken in Numbers chapter 1, which was a war census to count men fit for military service. This further emphasizes the idea of the 144,000 as an army of holy warriors. Interestingly, the list in Revelation omits the tribe of Dan and includes Levi, who was traditionally not part of the war census but served in the tabernacle. This inclusion of Levi is seen as significant, highlighting that God can call and equip anyone he chooses for his purposes. The tribe of Judah is also listed first, which is unusual in Old Testament censuses but could reflect Judah's role as the tribe from which the Davidic Messiah, the Lion of Judah, comes. However, in a pivotal "plot twist," this lion is revealed to be a lamb, signifying that this army conquers not through violence but through their faithful witness and the shed blood of Jesus. Revelation 12:11 supports this, stating that believers triumph over the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, even unto death.

While John hears the number of the sealed as 144,000, when he turns to look, he sees a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb. They are wearing white robes and holding palm branches, symbolizing sanctification, victory, and participation in a feast reminiscent of the Feast of Tabernacles. This vision reveals that the restored Israel is not limited to a specific number but includes a global community of redeemed individuals. It portrays a "before and after" picture: the 144,000 preparing for battle and this innumerable multitude emerging triumphantly after the battle, engaged in worship.

The white robes worn by the multitude are purified by blood, echoing the consecration of priests in the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus 8:30. This imagery aligns with Revelation 1:5-6, which declares that believers in Christ are made a kingdom of priests to serve God. The holding of palm branches also connects to Zechariah 14, which speaks of all nations coming before God to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, acknowledging God as king.

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Application for Everyday Life:

Focus on having the mark of God in your life rather than being consumed by fear of the mark of the beast. This means prioritizing your relationship with God and living according to His principles.
Recognize that you are part of God's army, called to be a witness for Jesus in the world. This involves both speaking about your faith and living in a way that reflects God's love and justice.
Stand against the "beast" in its contemporary forms. This could involve resisting systems and ideologies that promote exploitation, injustice, and values contrary to God's kingdom.
Embrace your identity as part of the restored Israel, a global community of believers from diverse backgrounds united under Christ. Celebrate this diversity while remaining centered on Jesus.
Endure tribulations and difficulties with faith and perseverance, knowing that God is with you and has sealed you. Draw strength from the assurance of ultimate victory through the Lamb.
Live a life of spiritual purity, remaining faithful to God and not being defiled by the ways of the world. This involves resisting temptation and holding onto biblical values.
Act as a priest in your daily life, representing God to the world through your actions and words. Strive to live a life that honors God and serves others.
Remember that your strength comes not from earthly power but from the blood of the Lamb and the power of your testimony. Fight spiritual battles with spiritual weapons.
Pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and recognize your role in bringing this about. Be an active participant in God's mission in the world.
Welcome and embrace all those whom God calls into His army, regardless of your own preconceived notions of who belongs. Avoid judging others and recognize God's sovereign work in their lives.

Revelation - The 144,000 in Revelation 7 & 14

Revelation - The 144,000 in Revelation 7 & 14

Application for Everyday Life:

References:

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