Some last thoughts for now on the 144,000. They definitely were of Jewish descent. Whatever you might think of Jews, this finite group were tapped on the shoulder for an important work—the Lord’s Work—namely to persuade all with whom they came in contact to put their faith and trust in the “blood of Jesus” rather than any other mode of salvation presented as an alternative, when the product of such a decision for Christ was certain death “by the sword.” Never will the choice be clearer.
In this day, at this time, we are sold, and rightfully so, a blissful bill of goods, that which comes from the Lord’s first incarnation, following along the lines of “peace and joy and goodwill towards men.” None of these are in the cards for the people of the Great Tribulation, only long-term suffering in exchange for a temporary “reprieve.” Choose Jesus and there’d be “momentary light affliction” comparatively, that is, the separation of one’s head from one’s body, for the blissful eternal state with him, and full restoration. They’d be exchanging eternal torment for a gleaming white robe and a palm branch.
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9–10)
Because the Lord stopped the four angels at the four corners of the esrth from doing their bidding, and tapped the 144,000 to infiltrate the inhabitants of the earth, offering one last chance and a keen perspective on the dire choice before them, a “great multitude” will be saved.
15 “For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15–17)
Our God is not intent on judging and killing us, locking us up in eternal torment as is Satan. On the contrary, he’s yearning for us to be with him for all eternity in holy attire along “springs of water.”
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:4–6)
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