Revelation 7 reminds me of Brownlee Furniture Store. Formerly a manufacturing facility, now the sprawling building has new samples on display as far as the eye can see. Occasionally a piece is marked as “SOLD”, with the name of the purchaser on the back of the tag. These items have new owners who will soon bring them home. Today’s lesson is about paying full price for damaged goods. The apostle John now has press box seats, able to see events in heaven, and on earth at the same time. He sees “four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing.” These represent the four points of the compass. John sees “another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God.” This “seal” is proof of authenticity; he is God’s representative. He calls out to the four angels: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” This “seal” is different; it is the mark of ownership and protection. These saints have been purchased and cannot be harmed. Though some claim this group is part of a Christian sect, the text is clear: “the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.” Israel is the name God gave to Jacob. Jacob had 12 sons. The angel lists the 12 tribes of Israel and notes that there are 12,000 from each. God will select a remnant of Jewish converts to remain behind as His witnesses.
God’s promises to Abraham for a Nation and a Land have been kept. The third promise will be completed: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). The Jews are God’s chosen people. Most Jewish adults today are cultural Jews, and do not believe in the God of the Bible. When Messiah is revealed, I believe there will be a massive transformation. Every symbol and ceremony given to Moses will be made clear in Christ. Next, John describes “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people… standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” All of them are “wearing white robes and were holding palm branches.” The question is asked: “who are they, and where did they come from?” And we are told that they are those “who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” They are Gentile believers that were redeemed “after hours”. Many will receive salvation despite the end times persecution.
For the rest of the chapter, John describes the overwhelming gratitude of those in heaven. The new arrivals declare their new understanding: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” The angels bow in worship: “Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever.” How can anyone express thanks to God for being rescued from the lies of the Deceiver? John says: “they serve Him day and night in His temple.” John includes these Gentile believers in the promise given to the nation Israel from Isaiah chapter 49. “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst… the Lamb… will be their shepherd… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” In this world, there is suffering, sorrow and loss. Over time, we fade, crack, and can become damaged. Though we may feel like damaged goods, God has no discount rack. The full price has been paid. The blood of the Lamb covers all our sins. We are worthy because He sees us with the eye of the creator. God also gives us free will. You can reject God and look for a better deal but beware of the empty promises of the bankrupt. You were made for an eternal home. Please don’t be left behind.