Revelation, Part 25 Series

Revelation, Part 25

Chapter 14:1-5

Introduction

When we last looked at the book of Revelation, we were at a point in history where the anti-Christ had been given full authority to control the living on this Earth, and to have absolute power over everything. We saw that he would be given power to control the world’s economy and how no one who did not accept his mark (pledge total allegiance to him) would be able to buy, sell, or even eat to survive.

We discussed how this world would blindly follow after him and even in this time of complete despair, people would still turn away from God and curse the name of Jesus Christ. With all the destruction that has happened, it should amaze the believer at how hard the heart’s of people have become and that they truly need a Savior – which is no different from people needing a Savior today – We are called to reach out NOW.

Studying the book of Revelation is a sneak peak into the future, and being prepared is the Christian’s duty in this world which is declining so rapidly.

Tonight, we turn to Revelation Chapter 14 for more guidance and understanding about this world and the need for Jesus Christ to be in it, always.

I want us to see that these verses tonight are a model of Christian living -- if these sould can live in this time ... how could we live today?

Read Revelation 14:1-5

Pray

Point 1 – The 144,000 on Mt Zion

Note again that John is seeing these things with his own eyes, as the Lord is revealing to him so he can understand it. John sees a Lamb sitting on Mount Zion – and this is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb given for this world, and John is now seeing the authority that He possesses.

Look how God’s Word ties together as John is seeing the result of Revelation Chapter 7 – these 144,000 are the ones who were rescued from this Earth due to the testimony of the 2 Witnesses. They represent 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Judah – and before the Throne they sit in awe of the One who sits there.

You see, they are having church before the Throne of God!

There is some discussion who the 144,000 are throughout history, but I believe they are the 12,000 from each tribe – representing each of God’s people, from every tribe, nation, and tongue from the world. Remember that Israel is the center of it all, and they were scattered throughout history. This is the biblical coming together again of God’s people – at the Throne of Grace and Mercy.

These 144,000 are to be understood as the laborers who were killed in Chapter 7 for God’s Word, and they are about to receive their reward for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ and His testimony. Today, we have an opportunity to accept the Lord and receive our reward in eternity – but these are those who accepted Jesus after the rapture – and they are about to be called into God’s work. (More than 144,000 will be saved after the Rapture, but we will see in a moment why these are so very special to Jesus.)

We have already received our calling and we get to decide if we are going to work for the Lord or not – but these souls are overjoyed, privileged and honored to serve – Oh that we would have that kind of devotion to Jesus Christ today. “It is amazing what can be done when we do not care who gets the credit”.

Let’s look for a moment at their joy before the throne …

Point 2 – There is Worship in Heaven

John is hearing these 144,000 signing a new song before the throne. These souls have given their lives for the King of Kings, and before the Throne they sing a new song to Jesus Christ for He is so worthy. Of importance is that no one else can sing this song – today we have the opportunity to learn any song and sing praises … but do we? These souls stand before the Lord, singing and professing their love to Jesus in a way that only they are privileged to do … imagine the worship in their hearts for a moment …

If that does not give you pause to want to worship like that – I believe nothing will!!

Go with me to Psalm 149:1-9 (Read)

In God’s Word, He gives us examples of new songs being sung to Him 9 times – and what I want us to see is that with each mention, there is newer understanding as to who God is and how amazing His Grace really is! Tonight, we have to model this worship in our hearts – we have to see that God is really THAT amazing and WE should have a need (or desire) to get this close to Him!