THE 144,000 JEWISH WITNESSES

REVELATION 7

Lesson 10

Introduction: Few groups of people are better known than the 144,000 of Revelation Chapter 7.  The spread of those who call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses have focused their attention upon the 144,000 and resulted in much confusion as to aim and objective of this group that God will set aside.

Our attention has been directed upon the events of the tribulation and breaking of the six seal judgments.  War, famine, death and earthy catastrophe will take their toll on those who live during this period of time

 As one considers world events and looks at the growing sense that Israel is looking toward the rebuilding of the third temple and the coming Messiah the stage is being set.  Chapter 7 does not deal with chronological events of the tribulation but with two major groups of people:  the 144,000 Jews who represent the Godly remnant of Israel on earth during the tribulation and a great multitude of martyred dead in heaven who have given their lives as a testimony to their faith. This answers the question; will any be saved during the tribulation?  The people who trust in Christ and receive the message of the gospel of the kingdom are called saints.  They are not part of the Church but are identified with the Jewish believers.
 

         I.      The angels and the four winds (Vs. 1-3)

a.       The angels are seen occupying a place of importance. (Vs. 1)

1.       These angels stand with authority

a)Hebrews 2:5

b)We learn that angels are to be in charge of  “future world”

2.       From verse 1 it appears that judgment is about to begin, but prior to its beginning God wants to set apart and protect His servants.

a)  Many times in the past God has protected His servants in times of judgment.

b)  Two examples … are Noah and his family and Rahab and her household at the fall of Jericho.

b.       The command not to hurt (Vs. 2,3)

1.       Here the ministering servants of God are told to withhold judgment until the servants of God are placed under diving protection.

2.       We learn from this that severe judgment is to take place following this sealing.

3.       For us as believers in Christ this scene reminds us that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and under His divine protection (Eph. 1:13)

       II.      The 144,000 sealed as the remnant of Israel (Vs. 4-8)

a.       Here once more we are reminded that God has neither forsaken or forgotten Israel.

1.       Following the Rapture of the Church, Israel will once more occupy an important role, and God will fulfill the promises He made.

2.       Romans 9,10,11 are a comprehensive view of God’s promises concerning the past, present and future of the nation of Israel.

b.       Being placed under divine protection is 144,000 Jews who are sealed and set apart unto God.

1.       A careful reading brings our attention to the fact that 12 tribes are mentioned, and that is 12,000 from each tribe is chosen.

2.       To in any way involve the Church age in this group is a gross misuse of the Bible.

3.       John directed by the Holy Spirit clearly outlines the people involved and their mission.

4.       This also reveals that God knows His own and that the 12 tribes of Israel are not lost.

5.       God has a purpose for Israel, and no amount of Satanic opposition will in the end defeat the purpose of God.

      III.      The plight of those who follow God during the tribulation who are numbered outside of the 144,000 witnesses (Vs. 9-17)

a.       The effectiveness of those witnessing for God during the tribulation

1.       A great multitude turn to God and accept the message of the gospel of the kingdom.

2.       The threat of death and persecution does not stand in the way of the true searching heart of man.

3.       Spirit- filled ministers of God with the aid of modern communication systems will make a worldwide impact.

4.       Every nation, kindred, people and language will be reached worldwide.

b.       Their message and worship (Vs. 10-12)

1.       The message is of God’s redeeming love in Christ the Lamb of God.  (Romans 1:16, 17)

2.       Worship unto Him that sitteth on the throne. (All people need to bow in humble worship before God’s throne.)

3.       Note the theme of worship, which is praise. (Vs. 12)

c.       These people are from out of Great Tribulation. (Vs. 13,14)

1.       These martyred saints are identified as being from or out of the tribulation.

2.       They have remained true to their convictions and sealed with their blood, the faith they have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

d.       The promise to the over comers (Vs. 15-17)

1.       Their position before God is settled.

2.       Their physical needs will never again bring them the discomfort of suffering and not related to any heavenly experience

3.       God shall supply all their needs and wipe away their tears.  (These tears would be for earthly suffering and not related to any heavenly experience.)

4.   This all reminds us that God has a faithful group of followers even in the darkest hour of human experience.