The Lamb And The 144,000

The Lamb and the 144,000

Revelation, Part 21, Revelation 14:1-5

Introduction

- The economic and religious systems of the world will belong to him

- Question: How will the devil be able to control so many?

-- John 8:44, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

- When we last looked at the book of Revelation:

-- Point in history where the anti-Christ had been given full authority

-- He controls everything on this Earth, has absolute power over everything

- We saw that he would be given power to control the world’s economy

- Also, no one who did not accept his mark (pledge total allegiance to him) would be able to buy, sell, or even eat to survive

- With all the destruction that has happened, it should amaze the believer:

-- How hard the hearts of people have become and,

-- They truly need a Savior

-- IMP: We are called to reach out to any and all who listen, immediately

- Read Revelation 14:1-5

Ω Point 1 – The 144,000

- This is an interlude to what’s happening (John is seeing Heaven again)

-- Again that John is seeing these things with his own eyes

-- 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

-- John is now seeing the authority that He possesses

- Look how God’s Word ties together (result of Revelation Chapter 7)

-- These 144,000 are the ones who were sealed for God’s work

-- They represent 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Judah

-- Before the Throne they sit in awe of the One who sits there

- There is discussion of who the 144,000 are throughout history

-- FACT: Again, these are the 12,000 from each tribe

-- Representing each of God’s people, from every tribe, nation, and tongue from the world

-- Israel is the center of it all, and they were scattered throughout history

-- This is the biblical coming together and of God’s people gathering at the Throne of Grace and Mercy

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

- These 144,000 are to be understood as the laborers who were killed

-- They are about to receive their reward for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ

- Today, we have an opportunity to accept the Lord (b/c we hear the Word)

-- In eternity we will receive our reward, but these are those who accepted Jesus after the rapture – and they are about to be called into God’s work

-- IMP: 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.

- Christians today have already received our calling

-- APP: We get to decide if we are going to work for the Lord or not

-- These souls are overjoyed, privileged and honored to serve

-- Challenge: Oh that we would have that kind of devotion to Jesus Christ

-- “It is amazing what can be done when we don’t care who gets the credit!”

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

Ω 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

-- Before the Throne they sing a new song to Jesus Christ

- Of importance is that no one else can sing this song

-- IMP: Today we have the opportunity to sing praises … but do we?

-- These souls stand before the Lord, singing and professing their love

-- Imagine the worship in their hearts for a moment …

-- If that does not give you pause to want to worship, I believe nothing will!

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

- In God’s Word, He gives us examples of new songs sung to Him 9 times

-- With each mention, there is newer understanding as to who God is

-- There’s a deeper understanding of 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!

- These 144,000 are the FIRST FRUITS of those redeemed from Israel