Revelation #43

Now we are ready for Chapter 14!



Revelation 14:1-5



The Lamb and the 144,000

1Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.



In verse 1 we are told John now looks and sees Mt. Zion which is Jerusalem and standing on this mountain is the Lamb! Jesus! With Jesus is the 144,000 Jews whom we studied about in Chapter 7 ( you many want to go back and refresh you memory). We also find out hear what the 144,000's seal is here. Jesus and God's name written on their foreheads! Now that is an awesome seal of protection! In verse 2 John hears a roar like that on many waters and loud thunder. I think we can all picture that! Not told exactly what that roar represents....maybe a welcome from God to the 144,000??? Then John hears a voice that sounded like many harps and they were signing a new song before the throne of God and before the four living creatures and elders. This is a picture of some major rejoicing going on here! We are also told that the only ones who knew this song were the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth and now are welcomed home to heaven! A victory song! Verse 4 tells us that these 144,000 are virgins and they have not defiled themselves! Most scholars believe this 144,000 includes both men and women. We are also told these 144,000 Jews follow the lamb wherever He goes. Which reminds me of two verses:



Matthew 16:24

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.



We are also told in verse 4 that the 144,000 are the firstfruits of mankind by God and Jesus. They are the firstfruits of the tribulation! Then verse 5 tells us the 144,000 are blameless and do not lie. A great example for all of us!



What a testimony on behalf of the 144,000 this morning....may God also find us a great testimony for Him also!



Tom