LESSON AIM

1. We will understand that those who remain faithful to the LORD will be rewarded for their faithfulness

2. We will understand that the reward will include being in the presence of the LORD and eternal separation from all of this life’s distresses.

KEEP IN MIND

“For the LAMB which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).

John saw a vision of 144,000 people who were sealed to protect them from the suffering of the great tribulation. Because they passed through this critical period, they received special honor in heaven. These people worshipped and honored the LORD, because in JESUS ALONE IS SALVATION.

By way of background, the period between 200 B.C. and A.D. 100 was one of the most difficult in Jewish history. Instead of the golden age foretold by the prophets, the Jews had suffered defeat, subjugation, and violent persecution. A distinctive body of literature called “apocalyptic literature” emerges during this time. The writers hearkened to the vision and inspiration of the prophets. To authenticate their writings, the authors often wrote under the pseudonym of great Old Testament figures.

While john’s revelation is similar to these apocalyptic writings, it differs in some critical ways. John is steeped in the Old Testament and uses the rich evocative imagery of the prophets. John does not, however, survey the past. Nor does John use a pseudonym or any pseudo-predictions to authenticate his message. This is because John knew as certainly as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel knew that what he wrote came directly from GOD.

The preceding chapter of the Book of Revelation presents the opening of the seven seals. Some scholars view the first seal, “a white horse, and its rider had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer” (Revelation 6:2), as a symbol of a final, worldwide evangelizing effort, thus fulfilling JESUS’ prophecy that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). The next two horsemen (red and pale) symbolize war and calamitous death. This disturbing picture shifts as the forces of humanity (the prayers of the martyred saints) are seen in the fifth seal. The sixth seal unleashes cosmic disturbances: “Behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth” (Revelation 6:12-14). This description mirrors JESUS’ prediction that “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven” (Matthew 24:29). These catastrophes signal the return of JESUS CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH.

1. JUDGMENT IS SUSPENDED (Revelation 7:1)

Chapter 7 of the Book of Revelation appears to interrupt the narrative sequence established in chapter 6. The previous chapter ends with the description of the sixth seal: “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (6:17). However, the seventh seal is not opened until chapter 8. Chapter 7 presents us with a shining example of GOD’S MERCY for those HE LOVES. This chapter begins with GOD using angels to execute HIS judgments. John sees four angels standing at the four compass points of the earth: north, south, east, and west. From these positions, the angels are preventing the winds from blowing on the earth. The absence of wind would, of course, result in a tremendous heat and drought that would adversely affect every living thing on the earth. Thus, the phrase “the four corners of the earth” is an idiom or common expression, which represents the whole world. The number four often indicates completeness. Here, in Revelation, we read of “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,” about to unleash destruction in the form of “four winds.” The word “holding” implies that these hurricane-like winds are being restrained at this point.

2. THE SAINTS ARE SEALED (vv.2-3)

While we see that the ministry of these four angels is to execute judgment, the fifth angel’s ministry is different. This angel is dispatched to suspend judgment, This fifth angel instructs the four angels to halt their actions until the saints of GOD are sealed. What a comfort to know that GOD is ever mindful of those HE calls HIS OWN.

We are never out of HIS thoughts or plans, no matter how dreadful the situation appears. The urgency of this angel’s command is evidenced in that the angel cries out his command to the other angels. The “bond-servants of our GOD” probably represent Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the text does not describe the actual seal that will be placed on them, we are told that the mark will go on their foreheads.

As discussed previously, seals were often used to authenticate ownership. Hence, these elect were to be marked as owned by GOD. This ownership also serves to secure their protection from the impending catastrophes.

Our lives as Christians ought to bear some sign that we belong to GOD. The signs that mark us as believers should most obviously be our character, behavior, and practices.

3. THE SALVATION OF THE GENTILES (vv.9-10)

In verse 9, the phrase “after this” introduces yet another vision. John sees a new group, a group different from the 144,000 he has identified earlier. These “great crowds” are not all Jews, but are composed of people from all over the earth. All races and nationalities are represented in the great multitude that “no man can number.” It is both foolish and unscriptural to believe that only certain races will be saved. The Bible is clear that this multitude will include people from all over the world.

This mixed multitude is also distinguished from the 144,000 by their clothing. They are all clothed in white robes and carrying palms. The white robes symbolize their salvation and righteousness, which has been provided by GOD, while the palms indicate their rejoicing. The rejoicing pictured here may remind us of the crowd that greeted JESUS during HIS triumphal ride on the way to Jerusalem (John 121:13). This heavenly crowd is praising and thanking GOD THE FATHER and JESUS CHRIST, THE LAMB OF GOD, for their salvation. Just the knowledge that such a provision awaits us ought to encourage sincere and fervent praise and worship from the saints right now.

4. RECOGNITION OF SERVICE (v.14b)

In verse 13, one of the elders asks John about this great multitude of worshippers. The elder says that these represent “they which came out of great tribulation.” If we believe that Christians living at the time of the rapture will not be involved in the tribulation, we can assume that this is a multitude of new believers who will live through some of the tribulation days, be slain, and be received into heaven. They may even be the ones who are saved through the evangelizing efforts of the 144,000.

5. PROVISIONS OF SALVATION (vv.15-17)

While it may not be exactly clear who they are, the ministry of this multitude is clear. They are appointed to serve GOD “in the temple.” Here, in HIS presence, they are now free from all danger and any physical or psychological sufferings. They are at rest and fully able to enjoy the constant and eternal presence of GOD. The fact that GOD HIMSELF will wipe away all tears from their eyes indicates that the memories of all past sufferings will be wiped away.

When drive-by shootings, abandoned newborns, gambled-away money, and hungry children cause us to cry, we have the promise of GOD that one day HE WILL take HIS giant eraser and all that will be gone (see also Revelation 22:4). In response to this wonderful truth, HIS PEOPLE can only shout, “Hallelujah!” Yes, eventually we “will live happily ever after.”

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

email Dr. Lowe

LightStream Streaming News OUR SPEAKERS