The Beginning of the End

Revelation 7 is the foretelling of how it all ends for the human race. John shows us more into his heavenly vision as he witnesses angels proclaim the different tribes of Israel being sealed for God. The 144,000 that the angel speaks of are most likely those tasked with evangelizing the world during the end times (which some might say we are even in now) and they receive special protection from the destruction the angels were to bring on the Earth. It’s amazing to note how God not only constantly considers the needs of His people, but is also is constantly giving care to make sure everyone has the chance to know Him as we know He says in 2 Peter:

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

After seeing that, John is shown the end result for all of us who follow Christ. A number “that no one could count” describes the sheer size of God’s future family that will be clothed in white and worshipping God for all He’s done for them. And He will “shelter them” (v.15), meet all their needs (v.16), protect them from pain/hurt (v.16), and “wipe away every tear from their eyes” (v.17). This is what we all who live for Christ by His Word have to look forward to! We may have faced abuse, loneliness, depression, racism, anxiety, abandonment, addiction, and grief in this world, but those things will not follow us into the next one. We will never face pain or worry or sorrow again, as we will eternally rest in God’s protection and love and enjoy being together as a family for all eternity. 

Let this then be motivation for all of us to make sure our lives reflect the fact that we know this is our future! Let’s be daily in prayer and bible study for God’s presence in our lives, sharing the Gospel with our words and our love to those around us, and rejoicing in hardship and moving past things that have hurt us before because we know one day we’ll be with Jesus…and nothing will ever hurt us again. Amen.