Chapter 7
-There is now an interlude of time, it appears from the text,
in between the sixth and seventh seals being opened as we get to chapter seven.
Four angels are sent to the four corners of the earth to hold back the wind
(Revelation 7:1). Then another angel ascends from the rising of the sun with
the seal of the Living God. He calls out to the four angels not to “harm the
earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God on
their foreheads (Revelation 7:2-3).” The number of the sealed was heard as
being 144,000 from every tribe of the sons of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8). It is
interesting to note here that the tribe of Dan is not listed in the
distribution of the sealed, but rather one of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh, is
listed instead. Also, Judah is listed at the forefront and the concubine tribes
of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali are promoted in order of listing. This, along with
some alternative interpretive views, have made for some interesting understandings
of this group of God’s sealed people.
-After this, John sees a great multitude that no one could
number from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the
throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes made clean by the
blood of the Lamb and had palm branches in their hands crying out salvation
praise unto the Lord and worshiping Him along with all the angels, the 24
elders, and the four living creatures. Blessing and glory and wisdom and
thanksgiving and honor and power and might unto God for evermore were the
specifics of their praise and adoration. One of the elders approaches John and
verifies that these clothed in white robes are the ones coming out of the
tribulation as enduring overcomers (conquerors) by the power of Christ in them
(Revelation 7:9-14). These are before the Lord’s throne serving Him night and
day in His Temple, and God shelters them with His presence. They shall not
hunger nor will they thirst anymore, and the sun will not strike them or any
scorching heart. “The Lamb in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd,
and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every
tear from their eyes (Revelation 7:15-17).”
-*Application* The Lord’s Day may come at any time, and the
tribulation of the saints is very real and literal. We should be prepared for
this intense spiritual struggle and determine in our spirit that we will be
part of those numerous believers that were able to come out of the tribulation
with the Lamb’s blood covering us and cleansing us if that is required of us.
Some scholars and theologians would say that the saints will be raptured out
and these are converts to Christ from the witness of the 144,000 during the
tribulation, and that may be true. But, if we are indeed asked by the Lord to
endure this period as His church, we should be ready, willing, and able,
knowing that the reward on the other side is that our Lamb will shepherd us to
springs of living water and wipe away every sad tear from our eyes.
Verse to Memorize:
Revelation 7:17
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