Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Friday, October 2, 2015
Today’s Scripture:
“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Revelation 14:1–5).
Today’s Observation:
What a wonderful, refreshing sight is pictured here; and a welcomed break from all of the cataclysm, blasphemy, ominous beasts, and troubles. I love that the Lord gave us a break in the Revelation to give us a glimpse of the better world.
To John was revealed a vision of Jesus standing as Head of His people. With Him is the special group of redeemed believers who came through the fiercest of trials, represented by the number 144,000. As we have said before, we will not argue about whether the number is figurative or literal, although I have my views. The undisputed fact is that this special group of people is nearest the Throne of God, because they lived through the closing moments of earth’s history, and were sealed with God’s seal while the entire world followed the beast and received its mark. These followed Jesus wherever He led.
As the vision continues, John experiences a wonder of heavenly worship. God’s and other heavenly voices filled the air, along with a thunderous announcement of glory and heavenly music. Then something very special happened: These dear ones began to sing a new song, which nobody; not the 24 elders; not the retinue of heavenly angels; not the four beasts; not the rest of the numberless saints who were also saved. This group is singing a new song, because they know what it’s like to live during the absolute wickedest time in history. They know what it’s like to have all earthly supports removed. They know what it’s like to experience God’s protection while the devil has free reign to do almost anything his diabolical mind can dream up, and while the Lord is pouring out judgments upon the wicked without an ounce of mercy. They got a glimpse of Job’s spiritual affliction, Jacob’s time wrestling with the Lord, and Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane, all wrapped up in one. They know, like nobody else how able God is to save to the uttermost, those who are called by Him. Finally, they have His name written in their foreheads. Like nobody else in history, not even the Israelites who went into the Promised Land, they will be able to say, “…I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us…And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression: And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.” (Deuteronomy 26:3–9).
Conclusion:
This message concerning the 144,000 is not for you or I to be worrying about trying to become a part of some elite group of people, or else be relegated to the earth or destruction like some false witnesses and genuinely confused people may purport. No! This group of precious souls are a testimony, the first fruits so to speak, of God’s ability to save an unnumbered throng of people who all rest our trust in Him. If God can save these people through the greatest tribulation the earth will ever know, He can certainly save all others through their trials and temptations. Let their testimony be an encouragement to you.
A Prayer for Your Hearts:
Lord, thank you for giving us such a bright glimpse of the better world, and your power to save. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
