Week 26, Day 2: The 144,000

Today’s Reading:  Revelation 15:1-16:21

Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…

The 144,000 of Revelation 14 is often misinterpreted.  Many identify these as the ones who are saved, and in heaven.  However, taking this literalist view means that only virgin men will be in heaven (see Revelation 14:4).  But, this is no different than the rest of the book of Revelation in that it is symbolic in nature.  In fact, this is a symbolic depiction of the saved on earth. There are several characteristics that are symbolically identified in this passage.  First, the 144,000 identify those who have been purchased from the earth.  They have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore are expected to act in a different way than they behaved before being obedient to Christ.  They have not been defiled with women.  This is not identifying a physical virginity, but rather the idea of not committing spiritual adultery.  They had not corrupted themselves with the wickedness around them, and they had not given in to the emperor worship that was being forced upon people of the first century, even under penalty of death.

These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.  These are faithful, doing whatever they are instructed to do by God and Christ.  This is exactly the mentality and attitude that we should adopt today as well.  How can we claim to be the children of God, and His servants if we are unwilling to follow Christ wherever He leads?

The 144,000 of the book of Revelation refers to the faithful of God on earth.  They are the ones who have the name of God written on their foreheads, and who are obedient to Him, no matter how difficult it may be.  We can be among the symbolic 144,000 today by being faithful to God, and keeping ourselves pure and unspotted from the world.

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