SIH Valentine’s Day Devotionals…
Share Christ And The True Meaning Of His Love With Others!
SIH Valentine’s Day 3-Part Devotion Series: The Greatest Of These Is Love:
Part #1 – The Importance Of Love
Part #2 – The Eternal Nature Of Love
Part #3 – The Supremacy Of Love
SIH Valentine’s Day Devotional Video Playlist:
SIH Valentine’s Day Devotional Playlist (4 Videos)
Revelation 7: Summary
SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER:
In chapter 6, we saw the events that are taking place in today’s time that are constant reminders of the Lord’s second coming. In chapter 8, we will see the second coming of Christ and, especially, His wrath that will fall against lost mankind.
But here in chapter 7, we see the events that will take place AFTER the events of today (chap 6) and immediately PRIOR TO His second coming (chap 8).
SUMMARY OF EACH DIVISION OF CHAPTER:
- Revelation 7:1-8 – The Sealing Of The 144,000 Of Israel
In this section of Scripture, John sees 4 angels holding back the winds of God’s wrath that will fall against lost mankind. Since God’s wrath will be a worldwide event, the angels are positioned over all four points of the globe (N,S,E,W).
John vision proceeds with the appearance of another mighty angel. He is described as appearing from the east and possessing the seal of the living God. He is then said to command the four angels to continue to hold back the wrath of God until His work of sealing is complete.
All of these descriptions clarifies for us that this angel is symbolic of Christ. At His second coming, Christ is said to appear as the eastern morning sun rising upon the earth. Being God, He alone can be said to possess the seal of the living God. Also Christ, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, possesses the authority to command the elect angels of God.
Christ then seals the 144,000 picturing Him placing upon them His mark of ownership and protection. This sealing of the 144,000 is a symbolic representation of Christ taking His people from the earth uniting with Him in the skies. Much like
the citizens of a city would go out to meet the coming King and escort Him back into the city; likewise, the people of God will ascend to meet Him in the air and then accompany Him at His return to the earth.
The symbol of the 144000 Jews represents all of the chosen saints of God from both Old and New Testament time periods will be protected from His wrath and taken to Him at His coming. The symbolism of the number 144 reveals the inclusion of both Old Testament (12 tribes of Israel) and New Testament (12 apostles) saints being taken at His appearance in the clouds. Likewise the number 1000 symbolically represents completeness and totality…. ALL believers from both OT and NT times will be taken by Christ…. none will be left behind.
For a much more detailed look at this section of Scripture:
- Revelation 7:9-17 – The Multitude Before The Throne
As John’s vision continues, immediately following the sealing of the 144,000, John sees a great multitude before the throne of God in eternity. This uncountable multitude is made up of individuals from all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues. They are clothed in the white robes of righteousness while using palm branches to worship their Lord.
This is a glance ahead into eternity of the all the protected saved (previously symbolized by the 144000 sealed Israelites) who are enjoying eternity with the Lord.
This multitude around the throne is joined by the twenty four elders and the four beasts and all the angels of God. This entire setting is describing the saints and angels of God approaching the throne. This is symbolic of being in submission to the Lord, being available for His service, and being gathered together to worship and honor Him.
John questions the identity of this multitude and is told by one of the elders that “these are the ones who come out of great tribulation”, this is speaking of the tribulation of today that was described in the six seals. Also, he describes them as having “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb”, a clear description of the redeemed of Christ.
The elder then describes the great eternal blessings that the redeemed are enjoying: they will no longer suffer physical cravings and needs; they will no longer suffer physical discomfort or discontentment; they will be totally fulfilled and content physically and spiritually; they will have access to the source of eternal life; they will no longer suffer, feel physical pain or the pain of loss.
For a much more detailed look at this section of Scripture:
WHAT’S COMING NEXT IN THIS SERIES?:
In the next lesson in our series, we will be looking at Revelation 8:. In this chapter we will begin to look at the second coming of Christ and His wrath that will fall against all of lost mankind and the fallen creation.
May the Lord bless us as we seek to see Jesus in the pages of the book of Revelation.
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For God So Loved The World….
Rev 7:9 KJV – “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues”
Rev 7:9 KJV
(9) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
As John’s vision progresses, those who were graciously sealed by God are now seen enjoying eternity with Him.
In this portion of Scripture, we can see that they are described as an innumerable multitude that includes every possible division of mankind. Every race, language, nationality, social position and lineage are included in this group who were redeemed through the blood of Christ.
Christ is truly no respecter of persons …
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Act 10:34-35 KJV)
By His grace alone, He came and died for men that are found throughout the world…
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2Co 5:18-21 KJV)
What a wonderful blessing it is to know that our Lord did not limit salvation to the Jew or Gentile; to any social position or race. It truly does not matter where a person might live, what language they speak, or what family name they might carry. Our Lord has chosen to save men, women, boys and girls out of this entire world.
What a great love!
Joh 3:16 KJV… “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
What a great Lord!
Gal 3:13-14 KJV… “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
May we never forget the wonderful blessing He has given to us, not because of who we are, but only because of who He is… Our gracious, loving, unbiased Lord!
Let us serve our Lord today with renewed strength, knowing our salvation is based upon Him and Him alone.
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation
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We Are The Israel Of God… Loved, Protected, And Sealed From His Wrath!
Rev 7:4 KJV… And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Revelation 7:9-17 “The Multitude Before The Throne”
THE TEXT:
The multitude before God’s throne, defining the identity of the 144,000 sealed Jews.
Rev 7:9-17 KJV
(9) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
(10) And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
(11) And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
(12) Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
(13) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
(14) And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
(15) Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
(16) They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
(17) 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.
THE INTRODUCTION:
In chapter 6, we begin to see the seals being opened. All seven seals represent for us the events that will lead up to the the Christian’s receipt of their eternal inheritance:
Opening Seals 1-4 (Revelation 6:1-8) – All four of these seals affect everyone who is living on earth
- 1st Seal – White Horse – False Teachers/Christs 1-2
- 2nd Seal – Red Horse – Wars and Rumors Of War 3-4
- 3rd Seal – Black Horse – Famine and Scarcity 5-6
- 4th Seal – Pale Horse – Death 7-8
Opening Seals 5-6 (Revelation 6:9-17)
- 5th Seal – Persecution/Martyrdom 9-11 – This seal is pointed towards Christians (faithful servants of Christ)
- 6th Seal – Heaven’s Shaken – God’s Wrath Falling 12-17 – This seal is pointed towards the unsaved (those who oppose the work of Christ on earth.
Keep in mind seal six was revealed in Rev 6:12-17. The seventh seal, which represents the Lord’s wrath falling upon sinful mankind at His second coming, will be opened in Rev 8:1. The events of chapter 7 take place following the end of seal 6 and prior to the opening of seal 7.
In other words, chapter 7 explains the events that take place immediately prior to, and in preparation for, the second coming of Christ in wrath.
What has to take place immediately after the events of today’s time, but before the second coming?
The Lord will take His people off the sinful, fallen earth and give to them glorified bodies (1 Cor 15:50-54, Matt 24:29-31 etc). In doing so, He will be removing them from the wrath that is about to fall upon the sinful earth (2 Pet 3:10 Rev 8:1-on). It is the taking of Christ’s people that will be in view in this section of our study…
THE EXPOSITORY STUDY:
(Please notice, in this text, we see the sealed Jews are being identified in great detail. We will see that they are the protected saints of God. They are the ones protected from the falling of God’s wrath against sinful man (Rev 7:1-8). They are now identified as those who will enjoy a secure eternity with their Lord. In vs 1-8, they were seen as needy mankind who could only be saved from God’s wrath through His intervention, now in vs 9-17, they are seen as enjoying their eternal deliverance from His wrath. Rev 14:1-5 ties these two sections together as it describes the 144000 standing before the throne of God enjoying eternity with Him.)
(Please notice especially vs 15-17 helps us to understand that the eternal state of God’s people is in view in this section of the study. Compare Rev 7:9-17 with Rev 21:1-5 and Rev 22:1-5.)
As the symbolic 144,000 Jews are sealed, protecting them from His wrath that is about to fall (vs 1-8), John’s attention is turned to a multitude of men that stand before the throne of God…
Rev 7:9-17 KJV
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, Who is the great multitude of people? They are the saints of God who have been protected from His wrath and now enjoying eternal communion and blessings with God…
Notice how they are described…
of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
- They are made up of all: ethnic groups, families & ancestries, geographic regions, and languages.
- They are in the presence of God and the Lamb eagerly desiring to learn of, and obey, them.
- They are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, standing sinless in God’s presence
- They are prepared to worship and honor their God and Lord.
- Their cry is a proclamation of the Lord’s gracious working in their lives. They recognize they have been saved by a sovereign God through the precious shed blood of the Lamb that was slain. They can boast of nothing but of their Lord and all He has done for them.
Based upon these 5 different descriptions of this multitude, it is very easy to see that this multitude that has been sealed and protected from God’s wrath are all the redeemed of God who will enjoy eternity with Him….
Rev 5:9-10 KJV – “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts,
In response to cries of the multitude, the angels now bring praise and honor to the Redeemer and Protector of the saints…
and fell before the throne on their faces,
the angels bow down with their faces to the ground in submission, humility and awe, standing before the Most High God.
and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
the angels worship the Lord by verbally proclaiming His awesome character .…
- blessing – Men are to only speak well of Him. They are never to speak words of displeasure towards Him.
- glory – Men are to hold Him in esteem. They are to honor Him in their thoughts, motives, desires, lives and speech.
- wisdom – Men are to live their lives for Him by applying His Word to their lives
- thanksgiving – Men are to appreciate all His workings and verbally proclaim all He has done for them
- honour – Men are to value and treat the Lord with the dignity and honor He deserves.
- power – Men are to exercise all their physical strength, and authority to serve Him
- might – Men are to use all their talents and other abilities to serve Him
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,
One of the elders (representing the saints of God who are holders of God’s eternal blessings), now come to John to reveal to John the identity of these people. Why does the elder know who these people are? Because he is one of them! A saint who has been given the eternal blessings of God.
What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.
The elder now asks John if he knows the identity of the multitude who are clothed in white robes. He knows that John does not understand and needs the identification of them.
And he said to me,
The elder identifies the multitude in two ways: their past on earth and their eternal future on the New Earth…
These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Their past identifies them as:
- they came out of tribulation – the tribulation on earth that is symbolized by the six seals (Rev 6:1-17)
- they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb – their salvation experience while on earth, followed by their faithful service to Him through His grace.
These are clearly describing those who are redeemed by the blood of Christ and experiencing trials on earth. This description goes hand in hand with (vs 1-8), the 144000 sealed Jews.
Heb 11:35 KJV – “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:”
1Co 6:11 KJV – “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 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.
Their future eternity on the New Earth:
- they will worship and serve God day and night, submitted to His authority – Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple:
- they will live in the presence of God – and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
- they will no longer suffer physical cravings and needs – They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
- they will no longer suffer physical discomfort or discontentment – neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
- they will be totally fulfilled and content physically and spiritually – For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
- they will have access to the source of eternal life – and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:
- they will no longer suffer, feel physical pain or the pain of loss. – God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes
These are clearly describing genuinely saved who are protected in Christ and experiencing eternity with Him.
In other words, John who has just seen the saints of God sealed/protected on earth, now sees their identity revealed in the multitude before God’s throne. They are those who are:
- redeemed by the blood of Christ;
- having experienced the tribulation of this time frame, but protected from His wrath to come;
- and are experiencing a wonderful eternity in the very presence of their Savior.
Psa 121:4-7 KJV – “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”
Psa 28:7-9 KJV – “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.”
(see also Rev 14:1-5 which is a combining the same symbolism describing God’s people in eternity with Him. Also see Rev 21 & 22 for an in depth look are the eternity awaiting God’s people)
CHRIST REVEALED:
In this section of Scripture, we saw Christ as the Eternal Lord over His people, the One who has redeemed His people through His shed blood and then made them secure throughout eternity….
Rom 5:8-11 KJV – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION (SUMMARY)
Our understanding of eternity, although not complete, is one of the great encouragers for Christians who are striving to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of this fallen, sinful world. In this text we have gotten a glimpse of what our eternity with God will be like. Never-ending worship and service, a cessation of suffering, sorrow and want. These all are overshadowed by enjoying the never-ending presence of our Lord and Savior…. what a wonderful eternity awaits us.
May we all keep this wonderful eternity in mind, and allow it to motivate us to a faithful continuance of our service for Him…
2Co 4:15-18 KJV
“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
May the Lord bless us as we seek to see Jesus in the pages of the book of Revelation.
Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
Text Blog: http://www.settledinheaven.wordpress.com
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The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.”
Rev 7:4 KJV
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
The sealing of the “all the tribes of Israel” is symbolic of the protecting of all the saints of God at His second coming. Why are the OT Israelites symbolic of Believers of all time? What are some of the similarities between Israel and believers? We can find some basic answers to these questions by looking at two texts…
Physical Israelites
Deu 7:6-8 KJV … “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
All Believers (Spiritual Israelites)
Eph 1:4-6 KJV… “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
Note these principles that apply to both OT Israelites and believers of all ages that are found in the above passages…
Principle #1 – Israel and believers are made up of people separated unto the Lord
Principle #2 – Israel and believers are selected by the Lord according to His good pleasure
Principle #3 – Israel and believers are separated from the world
Principle #4 – Israel and believers have a special love bestowed upon them from the Lord
Principle #5 – God has made a covenant with Israel and believers
Folks, what a wonderful blessing it is to know that we, as believers, are a part of the spiritual nation of Israel…
Gal 3:26-29 – “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
(see also: Rom 2:28-29; Gal 6:15-16; Gal 3:6-9)
As spiritual Israel, we can know assuredly that our Lord loved us, chose to bring us to a special relationship with Himself, desires for us to live holy lives for His glory, and has given us many eternal promises that will be fulfilled at His coming!
May we all be special people living our lives for His glory, knowing we are His spiritually chosen people making up the Spiritual Nation of Israel!
1Pe 2:9-10 KJV… “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation
Have We Given Thanks To The Lord? We Are Protected From His Wrath!
Rev 7:3 KJV
(3) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the
servants of our God in their foreheads.
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees.”
Rev 7:3 KJV
(3) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
The angel from the east (Christ) commands the four angels to “hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees” until He protects His people by taking them to be with Him.
What a blessing it is to understand that any of God’s wrath that is pointed towards the lost will be withheld from His people. Of course, this is not limited to His wrath that will fall to His second coming but also includes His eternal wrath that will be meted out following the judgment of all lost mankind.
This judgment, and its eternal results, are described in Revelation 20:11-15…
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Throughout the Word of God, His people are promised to be protected from this time of eternal wrath that is faced by those who have never trusted in Christ. One such passage is 1Thessalonians 5:6-11 KJV…
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
In our last devotional, we saw that one source of the believer’s comfort concerning future events is the knowledge that the Lord is coming again. At that time He will take us to be with Him and our saved loved ones who have passed on before us (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Here in our 1 Thessalonians 5 passage, we see another great source of comfort for His people… the knowledge of our deliverance from His eternal wrath that is to come. What should be the natural result of that comforting knowledge? A spirit of preparedness and seriousness, as well as a strengthening of God’s people.
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation
Will you be sealed in that day?
Rev 7:2 KJV And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…having the seal of the living God”
Rev 7:2 KJV
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
In those days, a king’s seal was a signet ring that bore a personalized emblem that was used to authenticate official documents written by the king. Basically, the king would place a dab of wax or other substance on the official document to seal it. Then, using his signet ring, he would leave imprint in the wax. This would prove that the document originated from the king and bore the full authority of the king behind it.
Here, we read that the angel in John’s vision possessed the signet ring of God Almighty. This helps us to understand that this angel symbolically represents Christ, the second person of the Godhead. Only God Himself could possess God’s signet ring.
In this context, we can learn that Christ is the One that will personally come and “seal” His people by taking them home to be with Him. This taking of the saints will prove to everyone that they are possessed by God and had been His official representatives on earth. Thsi act of “sealing” will also protect His people from the wrath that is to come.
Christ, Himself, will come in the clouds, taking up His saints to meet Him in the air. As the lost of the world see this take place, they will recognize that, truly, these were the people of God, presenting His message and working under His authority as they had ministered for Him on earth.
Can you imagine what that day will be like? What a wonderful day that will be!
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1Th 4:13-18 KJV
May we all, as Christians, comfort one another with these words, as we wait on our Lord’s soon return!
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation
What A Day That Will Be … When Christ Appears Like The Rising Sun!
Rev 7:2 KJV
(2) And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…I saw another angel ascending from the east”
Rev 7:2 KJV
(2) And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
As John’s vision of the sealing of the 144,000 continues, John sees an “angel ascending from the east”. This “angel” (or messenger) is a symbolic representation of Christ coming to seal His people, thus protecting them from the wrath that is about to fall upon lost mankind.
What does it mean when we are told that Christ (this angel) ascends from the east? It is picturing Christ as the arising of the morning sun.
Throughout the Bible Christ is associated with the sun and light giving. Christ is described as “the light of the world” (John 8:12, 9:5); “the bright and morning star” (Rev 22:16); “the day star” (2 Peter 1:19); the “star” (Numbers 24:17); the “dayspring from on high” (Luke 1:78); the “sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:1-3).
Specifically, these titles for Christ are teaching us two basic truths about Christ:
- Christ is the light that shines in the world, revealing God to all through His teachings, actions, and Word. It is this light that opposes the sinful darkness of this world, opening the eyes of the spiritual blind and causing darkness to flee…
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
- Christ, when He returns will appear in the eastern sky, shining as a bright light (Matt 24:27) driving the darkness of sin from the world, purifying and preparing it to be the eternal dwelling place for His people ….
“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.” Mal 4:1-3 KJV
As Paul encouraged Titus, may we all look for the glorious return of Christ, and our permanent deliverance from this sinful world, as a constant reminder of our need to live our lives for Him… the One who loved us, gave Himself for us, and will come back to take us home to be with Him eternally!
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Tit 2:11-15 KJV
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation
God’s Grace Witholding His Wrath From A Sinful World…
Rev 7:1 KJV
“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth.”
Rev 7:1 KJV
“And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”
John receives a vision that reveals events that will take place between the tribulation of the present day (the six seals – 6:1-17) and God’s wrath that will fall during His second coming (seal seven – 8:1-on).
Here, immediately following the opening of the first six seals, we see a break taking place prior to the opening of seal seven. This break is explained by four angels, who are sent to deliver His wrath, told to delay the sending of God’s wrath that will be revealed in the the opening of seal seven. Much can be learned about God’s coming wrath, and the withholding of it, from this text.
This text runs parallel with 2Pe 3:10-13 which presents the same basic principles concerning wrath of God that falls at His second coming…
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
Please notice:
- These angels are positioned over the “four corners of the earth”.
In other words, they are positioned in the North, South, East and West parts of the globe. This helps us to understand that God’s wrath will be falling over the entire earth, every geographic area on earth will be touched by His coming wrath. That is why the angels are positioned over the entire earth to hold back the wrath that is to come.
2 Peter 3:10 – “the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
- These angels will hold back the “four winds” of God’s wrath.
God’s wrath is being symbolized in this passage as “four winds”. This helps us to understand that God’s wrath will devastating and come quickly and unexpectedly. Although wind is invisible, it exists in every area of the world and brings great destruction quickly and without warning (tornadoes, whirlwinds etc)
2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;”
- The angels are holding back God’s wrath from falling upon “the earth”, “the sea”, and “the trees”.
God’s wrath will fall against all creation. It will affect all life that exists on earth whether on the earth or in the sea, inanimate creation, plant life, and by implication animal and human life as well. God’s wrath, when it falls, will result in the entire creation renovated, made sinless, formed into the New Heavens and New Earth, and prepared as the eternal dwelling place for the people of God. No sinful man, or other created thing will be able to escape this wrath that is to come.
2 Peter 3:10-12 – “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeingng then that all these things shall be dissolved,… Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
When we see the greatness, enormity, and universality of the wrath of God during His second coming, we are reminded of our great need to be certain we have been saved. Although the wrath that He sends at His second coming is severe… think of how much greater will be His eternal wrath sent against all lost mankind for an eternity in the Lake of Fire.
By turning from our sins in Godly repentance, and turning to Christ trusting Him as our Lord and Savior, we will, through His shed blood, be forgiven of our sins and receive the righteousness of Christ on our account. This in turn, we result in our eternal security and escape from His wrath that will fall at His second coming and throughout eternity.
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation
Which Type Of Servant Are We?
Mat 24:46-51 KJV
(46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
(47) Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
(48) But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
(49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
(50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
(51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
Revelation 7:1-8 “Sealing The 144,000”
THE TEXT:
The sealing of the 144,000 children of Israel.
Rev 7:1-8 KJV
(1) And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
(2) And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
(3) Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
(4) And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
(5) Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
(6) Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
(7) Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
(8) Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
THE INTRODUCTION:
In chapter 6, we begin to see the seals being opened. All seven seals represent for us the events that will lead up to the the Christian’s receipt of their eternal inheritance:
Opening Seals 1-4 (Revelation 6:1-8) – All four of these seals affect everyone who is living on earth
- 1st Seal – White Horse – False Teachers/Christs 1-2
- 2nd Seal – Red Horse – Wars and Rumors Of War 3-4
- 3rd Seal – Black Horse – Famine and Scarcity 5-6
- 4th Seal – Pale Horse – Death 7-8
Opening Seals 5-6 (Revelation 6:9-17)
- 5th Seal – Persecution/Martyrdom 9-11 – This seal is pointed towards Christians (faithful servants of Christ)
- 6th Seal – Heaven’s Shaken – God’s Wrath Falling 12-17 – This seal is pointed towards the unsaved (those who oppose the work of Christ on earth.
Keep in mind seal six was revealed in Rev 6:12-17. The seventh seal, which represents the Lord’s wrath falling upon sinful mankind at His second coming, will be opened in Rev 8:1. The events of chapter 7 take place following the end of seal 6 and prior to the opening of seal 7.
In other words, chapter 7 explains the events that take place immediately prior to, and in preparation for, the second coming of Christ in wrath.
What has to take place immediately after the events of today’s time, but before the second coming?
The Lord will take His people off the sinful, fallen earth and give to them glorified bodies (1 Cor 15:50-54, Matt 24:29-31 etc). In doing so, He will be removing them from the wrath that is about to fall upon the sinful earth (2 Pet 3:10 Rev 8:1-on). It is the taking of Christ’s people that will be in view in this section of our study…
THE EXPOSITORY STUDY:
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,
Following the vision of the opening of the six seals (“these things”), John now sees a new vision. This vision involves 4 angels that are standing in the North, South, East, and West (“four corners of the earth”).
These heavenly angels, God’s servants working among His people on earth, remind us that the event that is about to take place is sanctioned by God. Any work these angels may do or any words these angels might say find their origin in God Himself. He is the One that has sent them and they are simply doing His bidding.
The angels position in the four corners of the earth show us that the events that are about to take place are world-wide, affecting all of mankind.
holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
These four angels are seen holding back mighty winds that are ready to blow forcibly and harm the earth, sea and living creation upon earth (see 7:2-3).
These four winds are a picture of Christ’s earth-wide wrath that will fall at His second coming. These angels symbolize God’s holding back the winds of wrath because His people have not yet been removed. If the wrath fell at this instant, both lost and saved would feel the wrath of Christ falling upon them.
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God:
Another angel appears in the east. He possesses the seal of the living God.
This angel is a symbolic representation of Christ. Please note:
- Christ is described as a messenger of God. Angels, being messengers of God, makes fitting symbols of Christ. (Mal 3:1)
- The angel comes from the east. Christ is said to come from the east at the second coming (Matt 24:27)
- The angel is pictured as the rising sun. Christ is pictured as the rising sun at the second coming (Mal 4:2, 2 Pet 1:19)
- The angel possesses the “seal of the living God”. Christ, who is God Himself, would have the authority to possess the seal of Almighty God and use it accordingly. Only God, Himself, could possess and use the seal of God. No man, or angel could possess it.
- In the next verse, we see this angel possesses the authority to command the other angels. This again, shows that this is no mere angel, but Christ who possesses the authority of God.
and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
This angel with the seal of God, commands the other four angels to continue to hold back the winds from blowing and hurting the earth. The reason for the delay is that the people of God have not been protected as of yet. It is only following God taking His people from the earth that His wrath against sinful mankind will be allowed to fall. (Isa 26:20-21)
In those days, a seal was placed on a document to prove its authenticity, ownership and authorship, as well as to protect its contents. The seal was made of melted wax that was then imprinted with an individualized signet ring of the writer of the document.
The sealing of God’s people that is described here is simply taking them to be with the Lord. The taking of God’s people from this sinful earth (prior to God’s wrath falling) has two basic results… it identifies them as a genuine possessions of God and citizens of His spiritual nation of Israel (Rev 14:1) and protect them from the wrath of God that is about to fall on sinful mankind at His second coming. (Isa 26:20-21, Rev 9:4)
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
A description of God’s sealed, protected people (all the saved are now described. They are symbolized by 144,000 Jews.
Please keep in mind:
- All believers are symbolized by Jews – In the Bible the physical Jews of the OT represent for us God’s saved people throughout history. As a matter of fact, several places in the New Testament actually describe the saints of God as making up the spiritual nation described as “The Israel of God”. (Zech 11:4-14, John 10:24-30, Roms 2:17, 28-29, Roms 4:10-18, Roms 11:7-32, Gals 4:28-30, Gals 6:14-16, Rev 2:9, Rev 3:9 etc)
- All believers are symbolized by 144,000 – In the Bible, the number 12 is the number of eternal perfection. And is representative of God’s people set apart for His use and will share eternity with Him. In the Old Testament we find that the 12 tribes making up Israel (the physical nation set apart for God’s use), and in the New Testament we find that there were 12 apostles (men separated to God’s use). When multiplied together they give us 144.
The number 1000 throughout God’s Word is the number of completeness or fullness.
144,000 symbolically helps us to understand that we are talking about each and every believer in both Old and New Testament times are included in this group. He will lose none of those He has redeemed… all will be taken from the earth, all will escape His wrath and all will spend eternity with Him (John 6:39).
Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
We now have the tribes of Israel listed. Please note differences between the original 12 tribes and the 12 tribes that are said to possess the land and in Ezekiel’s vision of eternity and the 12 tribes mentioned in this text:
| Original Twelve Tribes (Jacob’s Sons) | Tribes In Ezekiel Vision (Ezek 48:) | 144,000 In Revelation 7: |
| Reuben | Reuben | Reuben |
| Simeon | Simeon | Simeon |
| Levi | Levi | |
| Judah | Judah | Judah |
| Dan | Dan | |
| Naphtali | Naphtali | Naphtali |
| Gad | Gad | Gad |
| Asher | Asher | Asher |
| Issachar | Issachar | Issachar |
| Zebulon | Zebulon | Zebulon |
| Joseph | Joseph | |
| Benjamin | Benjamin | Benjamin |
| Manasseh | Manasseh | |
| Ephraim | ||
Why is there a difference?
- In Ezekiel’s vision Levi and Joseph are missing…. Manasseh and Ephraim are added. Why? Joseph’s family is given a double portion of the land (Manasseh and Ephraim are sons of Joseph) while Levi’s portion is taken away.
Levi had not been given a portion of the promised land. They were to be totally dedicated to the Lord’s service, not be hindered by the things of the world, and were reliant upon the divine supplies of God (Joshua 13:33).
Joseph received a double portion (Joshua 14:4 as the replacement tribe). Remember Reuben should have received the double “replacement portion” of the land, but because he committed adultery, it went to Jacob’s favorite son instead (1 Chron 5:01)
This account helps us to understand two very important truths…
First, our faithfulness to the Lord NOW will affect our inheritance in eternity (the receipt of rewards with which we will honor Christ).
Secondly, as we serve the Lord we are to fully dedicate our lives to His service by putting our full faith in Him and subordinating all the things the world has to offer to a position of insignificance.
- In John’s vision Dan is missing and Manasseh is added. Why?
Dan is in the OT is a picture of our flesh ruling our lives. He was born as a result of envy and selfishness (Gen 30:1-6)
Manasseh is a picture of faith and grace. Manasseh was born as a result of God gracious intervention of comfort (Gen 41:51)
From this we can learn that those who will enter God’s kingdom and spend an eternity with Him are those in whom the Lord has intervened by grace. Those who are ruled by their flesh, will have no part in the eternal inheritance awaiting the people of God.
(Please notice the listing of tribes found in this passage (Rev 7:1-8) proves this cannot have a literal interpretation. If this was literal you would have Manasseh counted twice (once in Manasseh and once in Joseph the father of Manasseh). This is an impossibility when you are counting the tribe members because in essence you would have more than 144,000 total in you counted the tribe of Manasseh twice. 12,000 x 13 tribes = 156.000)
(Also note the order of the sons given by John is different from that of the original 12 in birth order. Judah is placed first in John’s listing because it is the tribe from which the Messiah would come. Also the 3 sons of the Gentile concubines, Gad, Asher and Naphtali, (Dan is excluded) are placed in positions immediately following the first born Reuben to emphasize the inclusion of Gentile blood that is found in this listing of tribal Jews. This again, is an indication of John recognizing these “Jewish” tribes, in actuality contained Gentiles and Jews that make up spiritual Israel.)
CHRIST REVEALED:
In this passage, we can see that Christ is pictured as the Almighty protector of His people. He is the One that will avenge them by sending His wrath upon those who have abused them. And He is the One that will protect them by taking them to be with Him prior to the falling of His wrath. What a wonderful truth it is to know that our Lord is our Protector!
2Sa 22:3-4 KJV
The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION (SUMMARY)
Folks, may we always appreciate the Lord for His promises of protection and security that we find in Him. Whether His care is shown to us by His constant presence in the life of His people, or it be our homecoming to be present with Him, we can know with certainty that He is there for us supplying our needs, allowing only what is for our good and keeping our eternity secure in His work!
Heb 13:5-6 KJV
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Isa 43:1-4 KJV
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
1Th 1:9-10 KJV
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
May the Lord bless us as we seek to see Jesus in the pages of the book of Revelation.
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The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…Blessed Is That Servant…”
Matthew 24:, the companion passage to Rev 6:, tells us…
Mat 24:46-51 KJV
(46) Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
(47) Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
(48) But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
(49) And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
(50) The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
(51) And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Did you know that we are all servants of Christ? Saved or Lost; Physical Jew or Gentile; those of the Christian, Jewish, Buddist, or Muslim faith; Democrat or Republican; Master or Slave; King or Pauper; all of us are under the authority of Christ and held responsible to serve Him. In that sense, we are all His servants and given the responsibility to fulfill His will.
So what is the difference between these differing groups? Some are blessed servants who are found willfully serving Christ at His coming… others are evil servants who refuse to submit to His authority and disobey His will for their lives.
But the differences between the blessed and evil servant does not end with their desire to serve or rebel against Christ. The other great difference is found in their eternal end. For the blessed servant who is faithfully fulfilling the will of Christ, he is rewarded for His faithfulness and shares in Christ’s ruling authority over the coming New Heavens and New Earth. For the evil servant, he is separated from Christ and consigned to eternal suffering in the Lake of Fire.
The question before us is not “Are we servants of the Lord Jesus Christ?”, actually the question is “What type of servant of Christ are we?” Are we the blessed servant that is faithful in service and eagerly awaiting His second coming? Or, are we the evil servant that is willfully rebellious to His will, not recognizing that Christ is coming again and will hold him accountable for his unfaithfulness?
So again…. “What type of servant of Christ are we?”
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation & Matthew:
Seals 1-4: http://wp.me/pU88A-3TJ
Next weeks’ posting – Seals 5-6: http://wp.me/pU88A-3Uc
Matthew 24: http://wp.me/pU88A-IW
Therefore be ye also ready…
Mat 24:36-44 KJV
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
For the SIH devotional on this subject:
The Revelation Of Jesus Christ: “…Of that day and hour knoweth no man…”
Matthew 24:, the companion passage to Rev 6:, tells us…
Mat 24:36-44 KJV
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
In this section of Matthew 24, we come face to face with a very simple, yet important, principle. This principle is stated in vs 36,42 & 44…
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
What is this principle? NO MAN knows the exact time of the second coming of Christ. Thanks to the signs of His coming, all mankind is constantly reminded that He is coming again and, in response, we should be forever vigilant and waiting.
However, our text clearly tells us that all of the lost and many of the saved will be caught unawares. This principle is then illustrated in three ways:
- vs 37-39 – Just as in the days of Noah, men will not see the urgency of preparing for His coming nor change their lifestyle in any way. They will be preparing for a future, uninterrupted life on earth by continuing to marry and make plans for future marriages, eating and drinking to give them strength for the coming day. Looking for the Lord’s second coming will change our lifestyle and plans for the future.
- vs 40-42 – Two men in the field and two women grinding at the meal. In both cases, the saved is taken the lost is left. In both cases, He came unexpectedly to both lost and saved. In both cases, lost and saved were not prepared for His coming. We should never think that, because we are saved, we are exempt from being unprepared for His coming.
- vs 43 – The coming of the thief caused great harm and loss because the master of the house was not prepared for his coming. When a person is unprepared, whether lost or saved, great loss will ensue. For the lost they will be condemned to the Lake of Fire for an eternity, failing to trust in Christ as their Lord and Savior. For the saved, it will involve a great loss of reward and opportunity to glorify God on earth and in heaven.
Are we prepared for His coming?
For an in depth look at these sections of the Revelation & Matthew:
Seals 1-4: http://wp.me/pU88A-3TJ
Next weeks’ posting – Seals 5-6: http://wp.me/pU88A-3Uc
Matthew 24: http://wp.me/pU88A-IW
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