Are you in the 144,000?
Revelation 7
Every generation has known a crazy sect who believed they were the 144,000. The claim always proved worthwhile until their numbers reached 144,001 and then they moved to a symbolic interpretation!
Let me ask you not to focus on the numbers but look at this chapter this way:
Firstly let me remind you that when John heard the elder announce “look the lion of the tribe of Judah” he turned and saw the Lamb that was slain. And now he hears a number of 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel and then turns and sees a great multitude who were martyrs.
Do you see the similarity?
A lion transformed into a lamb. 144,000 Jews transformed into a great multitude.
John is writing to his churches who are suffering and he is in effect saying: What you hear may not be what you see. Your reality may not be everything. But he says more:-
Martyrdom is likely to be the result of commitment to Jesus.
Martyrs still need saving through the blood of Christ, their shed blood is not enough.
The end result is blessed: God spreads his tent meaning He lives with them, no hunger or thirst, no scorching heat, there are springs of water and God will wipe the tears.
I love the pastoral heart of John.
And the Spirit still speaks to us today even in our lives which doesn’t face the hardship of persecution but nevertheless we face tough days, the above applies to us. Be encouraged.
Missions Paul 