Sealing of God's People ...

John’s descriptions of events that led up to the coming of Christ are not an escalating level of peace, but rather carry an escalating level of destruction on a world-wide basis.  The opening of the sixth seal shows signs of abnormality in the physical universe around us; followed by great destruction as the face of Jesus is seen returning to the world.  Perhaps it is for this reason, that John introduces a pause in these revelations, a respite from the chaos, to reveal an event of special significance.  So in the 7^th chapter of his book of Revelations of Jesus Christ, author of the weekly rest of the Sabbath at our creation, John seems to backtrack a moment in time and reveal this event.  In verse 1 he writes … “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.”  The phrase “and after these things” may well apply to this vision being granted after the tumultuous events described in the prior one of the opening of the six seals.  For what is to take place here on earth, has more meaning if it precedes the coming of Christ, than after the destruction that accompanies his second coming.

John then describes seeing 4 angels positioned standing at the 4 corners of the world, or strategically located in order for us to understand that what they hold back is yet another global event.  John tells us that these angels continue to hold back the “winds” in order that the earth, the sea, not even a single tree be hurt.  He continues in verse 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, [verse 3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”  John now describes yet another angel who ascends from the east and carries the “seal” of the living God.  In the time of John, rulers and kings carried a unique item carved with unique symbols and made of metals that when applied to warmed wet wax would form a unique indentation.  The wax would dry with the imprint of the seal.  This was usually done in order to keep the contents secured until the proper addressee could examine them.  If the seal was broken, it meant that the contents were compromised.  If the seal stood in tact, one could examine it and based on the unique symbols, could determine “whose” seal it was.  Generally only the king or ruler was allowed to carry the seal, in order that only documents which came from him could bear his mark.

In this case, the 5^th angel ascending from the east, is carrying the seal of the living God, the God of creation.  He carries a message of delay to the 4 angels who are presently holding back the winds of destruction; that they should carry on holding them yet a while longer.  Before massive destruction is unleashed upon the world, time is needed in order for the 5^th ascending angel to press the seal of the living God into the soft foreheads of those who serve God, thus making an indelible impression upon them.  Our minds are to be altered, to want different things, to view love differently, to see in harmony with our God of creation and life and love and truth.  The process of our sealing, is to end the doubt.  It is to end the vacillation, to end the back-and-forth of serving and backsliding.  Our sealing is to put a final stamp on the destiny we have chosen.  From this point forward, we are to become those who are holy still, rather than those who are unholy still.  Once again, this is NOT a process we do to ourselves.  We are not empowered to grasp His seal, and stamp ourselves with it.  Instead this is to only be done by an angel commissioned with that work.  It is done TO us, not by us.  It is done FOR us, not because we have earned it.  It is the mercy of God outstretched that we might find the greater faith that does not waiver any longer, but believes in the salvation of Jesus Christ with ALL its heart and mind and soul.

The servants of our God, are those who hold to His word, and the testimony of Jesus Christ – His word made alive in us by the power of His so great love.  While still living, these servants share the characteristic of the martyrs who preceded them and whose blood cried out from beneath the alter in the opening of the fifth seal.  The Word of God includes the stories of creation, of the establishment of the seventh day Sabbath, of the flood, of the patriarchs and prophets, of the Messiah, of the early church, and of the voice now given in end-time prophecies.  The Word of God cannot be discarded in part, or thought of as only partially accurate, and still hold meaning.  It is either the message of God to us in written and inspired form, or it is meaningless stories recorded for some unknown amusement.  It cannot be both.  There is a law of love that is outlined as a first step in the journey of what it means to love others, or the God who authored it is false.  It cannot be both.  The enemy would tempt the servants of God to discard His Bible as being simply inaccurate, so that salvation and re-creation are never sought or found.  But the God who inspired His book, and through His Son enables us to live in harmony with it, would not have it so.

Before calamity strikes the world, before the holy angels who currently hold back the results of the evil so many embrace are told to loose their grip and end their interference, the people and servants of Christ are to be sealed.  And what is the unique symbols that identify the true God from those who might try to pose as Him?  Obedience and submission that results in re-creation so that true obedience is possible help compose it.  His servants are brought into harmony with His laws through this process.  It is then, that the mind begins to see the beauty of His laws that outline what it means to love God, and to love others, and not ourselves.  The slavery of self-love and self-service are broken by the power of our God, not of ourselves.  As we trust in His wisdom instead of our own, we are molded in His image and not of our own.  We begin to be obedient, not through the power of our will, or the forced behavior of our hands, but because it becomes natural to us, it becomes a part of “who” we are. 

We keep His laws, because we cannot imagine otherwise.  We cannot imagine not taking time out to be with Him on the Sabbath; as we cannot imagine hurting another by stealing, or lying, or coveting, or killing.  We honor our parents because we love them.  We seek God first, because we know it is only through His power, that we can live as such, and have life worth living.  We seek out no idols.  We cherish no impure motive, nor cling to any once cherished sin; for through the salvation of Christ, we are remade in the here and the now, to be truly His servants.  We choose to obey this God, and in so doing we bear the imprint of His seal.  We prefer the edicts of God to the edicts of men, even if it causes men to seek our lives, like they did His, as a result.

To look upon the sealed servants of God, who are uniquely marked BEFORE the winds of strife begin to blow unrestrained by holy influence, is to find the unique symbols of our God.  We see His laws engrained in us.  We see His love engrained in us.  We find a lack of condemnation, and an abundance of redemptive love seeking others to swell our ranks.  We find these servants in harmony with the mission of their Lord.  They do not seek to compel the conscience of others, but instead respond to the love of Christ that gave them reason to seek His salvation in the first place.  While many will be redeemed and stand before the Lord on the sea of glass.  There are those who will have the special honor of being sealed before He returns.  They will live throughout the troubling times that are to come.  They will carry His seal through this time, and have a special work to encourage the faithful throughout it.  These may be the wise virgins who kept their oil and were prepared for the day that was to come.  These may be those who serve Christ today, and know the power of His re-creation within us, that leads us away from the sins we would otherwise seek.

John notes that this sealing occurs before the earth is engulfed in the woe that evil brings with it.  Today angels still hold the full winds of strife from wreaking their havoc across the earth.  It is the love of God that restrains these winds.  He holds back from us, the full weight of our sins, and the full weight of the woe they would result in.  He keeps at bay the punishment we deserve and the natural consequences of the evil we choose.  He does this in order to preserve us, so that we might still choose His redemptive love over the slavery of our self-service.  But it will not always be so.  There is an end to this period of probation, of testing, of opportunity.  At some point in our not too distant future, the angels holding back these winds will be told to do so no more.  At some point, the winds will be loosed.  At some point those who are sealed will be sealed.  By implication, when the sealing is completed, the winds will be set loose.

John then continues with what he sees as the numbers are described.  He writes in verse 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.”  The symbolism of the number 12 seems to represent a level of completeness.  Perhaps in this number is intended to represent the whole of His servants, being 12 times 12 times a thousand.  Or perhaps this is a literal number that is intended to represent a literal 144,000 servants who are sealed for a special work before the Lord.  Perhaps these are they who represent the early victory through Christ of our salvation.  They are re-created ahead of the remainder of the servants of God, and see the beauty of His salvation enacted in them, before the masses begin to appreciate it.  So whether figurative, or literal, the number bears the symbolism of perfection and completeness as John continues to write.

In the next 4 verses beginning in verse 5 he outlines a breakdown of those who comprise the 144,000.  John lists them in groups of three.  Four groups of three tribes in each verse.  They are NOT listed in order of birth.  They are NOT listed as identical to the original 12 tribes of Israel.  In verse 5 he begins … “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.”  Rueben was actually the first born, so if this were a dissertation on the historical tribes of Israel, and done by right of birth, Reuben would have been listed first.  He was not.  John continues in verse 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.”  Manasses was the son of Joseph, and the grandson of Jacob.  So this was also not a listing of just the original 12 sons born to Jacob renamed Israel. 

In verse 7 he continues … “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.”  Neither Levi, because of the priesthood duties, nor Simeon who was absorbed into Judah over time, had any land to speak of in the nation of Israel.  So this list was not meant to represent only those who had possession of land in the promised land after Moses led them to it, and Joshua led them into it.  John continues in verse 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.”  Joseph had been made viceroy of Egypt, or governor over all the land.  He married an Egyptian wife, and had non-Canaanite children in the form of Manasses and Ephraim.  But despite Joseph being perhaps as much Egyptian in life as he was Israelite by birth, He is included in this list.  Joseph is also listed after his son Manasses which would again defy order by birthright.  The tribe of Benjamin was always thought of as small, because it was nearly wiped out early in the land of promise due to an unfortunate incident with a prostitute.  Yet although being small it is still included in the list.  Ephraim Joseph’s other son is not listed here, despite being a historical tribe of significance, and owning land.  Neither is Dan, a son of Jacob whose tribe also had occupied land in the promised land.

So, if the tribes do not represent the original list of sons from Israel in order of birth.  If they are missing the historical Dan and Ephraim, but include Manasses and Joseph.  Then there must be something more than just a description of inclusion strictly by birthright as thought of in ancient tradition.  Perhaps these tribes are further symbols of the peoples they represent.  Perhaps the characteristics of the servants of Christ at the time of this sealing are similar to the historical patriarchs and tribes represented in this list.  The Lion of Judah, who is our Lord, and the Lamb, is listed as the first tribe from which 12,000 are sealed.  Perhaps this is why it is listed out of order by birth.  Joseph and Benjamin were the children of Rachel who held Jacobs greatest love, and they were the children of his old age.  Perhaps that is why they are listed last.  And perhaps they represent us in the last days of earth’s history, the remnant of His church, and His servants, who seek to be freed from self, and embrace His way of loving others.  Since the nation of Israel, and the Jewish faith, has all but rejected Jesus Christ as its Messiah and Savior, it is difficult to believe the 144,000 are found in the historical descendants of these tribes, or in a faith that rejects Christ as its cornerstone.

Also we should note, that the timing of this Revelation given to John is just after he witnesses the sixth seal being opened, and represents a pause in what is going on.  This would imply that the sealing is being done near the end of earth’s history, not before during the ascendancy of the Jewish nation before Christ first appeared.  These sealed followers are perhaps those who will be translated to heaven without tasting death.  They will have a special role here, and another one in heaven.  They will stand before His throne day and night serving God, which is a place of infinite honor and fulfillment and represents no higher calling of any in existence.  But in this sealing is revealed another dimension of mercy and love of our God.  This is after all, another Revelation of Jesus Christ.  That He would so honor us, as to see us redeemed to His service, and share with Him His message of redemption is yet another evidence of His so great love for us.  The 144,000 are not alone in His heaven.  But they are specially prepared and hold a special position as later writings will reveal …

 

The 144,000 ...

There is a final prophecy that occurs at the end of time that sparks much interest and debate. It is a description of precisely 144,000 of God’s servants who are special in some way. Given the cryptic nature of this prophesy much discussion, study, and theorizing has occurred as to what its fulfillment might look like. Ever wonder if you could be a part of this special group of God’s servants? What would it take? In times past in the Bible, the biggest criterion for selection by God, was willingness to be selected. I wonder if it will be so again, or if this special reward will be granted based on another type of criterion.

References to the 144,000 can be found in Revelations chapter 7 and again in chapter 14. In both instances the 144,000 are seen in heaven surrounding the throne of God. Some of the verses describe their work as never ceasing, always close to God, able to sing a song only they are allowed to learn. The composition of the 144,000 includes 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. We might have interpreted from this that they were 144,000 literal Jews who served God throughout Old Testament times, but later verses describe them as have had victory over the beast, faith in Jesus, and commandment keepers. They are further described as “virgins” having not been defiled with “other women”. Perhaps this means they were born into serving Christ, and have never served any other God than He in their entire lives (this view based on women often representing a church in the book of Revelations). There is no guile in them and they walk blameless before God. As all of us have sinned, perhaps this might refer more to our teachings about God being more accurate and less mixed with error than those we find around us.

The first references to the 144,000 is made as God tells the 4 angels holding back the winds of strife to hold on a bit longer until the 144,000 can be sealed. This would imply they are alive and well at the end of time, waiting to be permanently marked of God for His service. If so, I hope to be among them. But perhaps I have not thought that through completely  I base my desire to be in that number on a singular belief I hold; proximity is everything. Remember when you were a small child and were uncertain of the world around you. At times like those if you could see your parents around you, perhaps down the hall, or in the next room, your comfort level increased. You knew that even if they were not immediately at your side, they could be in seconds should the need arise. That made you feel good. Now take that feeling and amplify it a trillion times. Imagine what it would have been like to hear the words of Christ from His own mouth while He was here on earth. This is why the disciples argued over who would be closest to Him (apart from their own pride), being close to Christ was always the most enviable position.

Mary Magdalene had no issue hanging out at His feet. Let’s face it Christ was in human form, and human feet that walk long distances over rough terrain in nothing but leather sandals are not going to look or smell too good. This is why the practice of washing feet is still considered an ordinance of humility. One must humble themselves, to take on the service of such a dirty job for someone else they know. But in Mary’s world, Christ’s feet were more than enough – anything to be close to the Savior, even the less savory parts. Another woman who suffered of a lifelong disease felt the same way, she did not dare to even speak to ask for healing believing she need only touch the hem of His garment and she would be healed; and so she was. Being close to Jesus was life altering.

Now here we have a picture of the very throne of God Himself, where 144,000 people are selected and sealed to serve Him throughout all eternity, ever at His throne. They do not need sleep. They do not need food or water. They exist on serving Him, and doing as He asks. This is the highest ambition of any citizen of Heaven is to be able to do the will of God as He requests. To be useful in His purposes, to be needed, to be asked; this is the highest hallmark of service everyone there can ascribe to. And for 144,000 blessed individuals this is their life’s calling. I wonder if any of us can truly grasp the significance of this opportunity while still living under the curse of sin, in our current gloomy, self-centered world?

In heaven this kind of proximity to God on a full time basis is like icing on the cake. But in our world, we still pause to consider what full-time service to God might deny us from experiencing on our own. Being honest, we think about flying from world to world, talking with past Patriarchs like Moses and Noah, and Abraham. We think about eating fantastic fruit from the tree of life, and swimming or skiing in the river of life. We dream of petting animals that on earth would easily eat us, and wonder what our homes or mansions will be like. We fantasize about romantic relationships with a spouse from earth that can now be lived in the perfection of heaven. If we served God full time, would we still get to experience all that, or would it go away. More to the point, would we value in heaven what we think we value while still here in this condition. Or like the gold that is used as concrete in heaven, would all our earthly aspirations of heaven fade away in 10 minutes when placed against the prospect of being close to God forever.

Perhaps our minds are still clouded by the fog of our sin. Perhaps we have yet to learn that doing the will of God is the ultimate prize in any life including this one. This world does not make it easy to know what God’s will is for us while here on earth. It is clouded in the ambiguity of our iniquity, the fog of our sin, our selfish nature at war with His will. At least in heaven we can ask Him that question directly. But for me, I am taken back to when I was very very young, and quite content to play with my toys under the chair of my mother. I was fine and happy there knowing she was sitting directly above me. If I am so blessed, I hope to play with my toys under the throne of God Himself, fully contented to know He is sitting directly above me. Hoping to get some snuggle time in His lap if that is not asking too much. For despite being an adult, I recognize my infancy when confronted with the awe and majesty of the creator of ALL worlds. In the presence of the Father God, I am taken back to being two years old, hoping for His affection, and content to be close to Him in the same room, under His chair if needs-be. After all, I know He will be busy working above me, and I can’t figure to interrupt Him too often with my demands for attention.

I think we underestimate what being close to the source of ALL love might do to us. We have experienced love here only in such a limited capacity, sometimes afraid to embrace it fully for fear that an imperfect world will wound us greatly for showing a vulnerable side to another person. But when risk is gone and when perfection reigns, will our freedom to love without hesitation or limitation bring our entire existence to a new plain of consciousness? What will it do to the human mind and soul to be only feet away from the source of infinite love? Will it be like standing near the reverse of a black-hole instead of pulling light in, it shines light and love outward with equal force, or perhaps even greater force. Could our transient frames even expect to hold up in such close proximity to the source of all power, all love, and all grace?

The texts describe God as wiping away the tears of their eyes. I will need this. My unworthiness to even be saved is beyond comprehension. But to be rewarded as one of the 144,000 is a reward well above my pay-grade. I should be content to live in a rat hole along the south wall of heaven itself, locked in isolation after the life and deeds I have done. But to stand with the select few, is too great a reward for me. The level of love that would even consider this is too much for even a perfect being to comprehend. It would break me. It would break the perfect heart He created in me, even in the perfection of heaven. To be so undeserving and yet so rewarded would require constant wiping away of tears from my eyes. To daily witness the Lord and my God His Father, and to know the pain I caused them from my selfishness while in this life – this would cause me immense embarrassment, shame, and pain in my now perfected heart. An addict may not be fully accountable for the nature of his disease, but he remains fully aware of his actions while under its influence. My sin would haunt me for eternity, if God did not remove it from my memory. I believe this final gift of healing will be required to maintain sanity in the face of such love.

Then there is the work to consider. What will the 144,000 do that keeps them so busy? Will it require travel away from the immediate presence of God? Will we assist in the creation of new worlds and new life? Will we be a part of some sort of governmental or bureaucratic committee to take care of the ins and outs of running a multidimensional set of universes? I believe our minds are presently too limited to begin to guess at what He would have us to do. But to do the work of service will remain our reward for eternity. In this I am confident.

For those of us who do not merit inclusion in the 144,000 – God’s love for us will be no less. I imagine we will all find work, purpose, and fulfillment in our existence in the perfection of heaven. To simply experience fully the relief from slavery to sin will be reward enough for me. To be saved, once and for all time, to be made perfect by His grace – this is my highest ambition. Should I be fortunate enough to be selected to be within the 144,000 I will magnify His name for yet another of His gifts. But should I not merit inclusion in this number, I have equal confidence in His love and ability to save me, from me. And for this alone I can be eternally grateful.