恩典365

2014. 11. 14 |Marked by God (Revelation 14:1~13)

1 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.
3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people.
7 He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
8 A second angel followed and said, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries."
9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand,
10 he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.
11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name."
12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."

Reflection

The 144,000 (14:1~5) 

The important thing to remember about the number 144,000 (which represents completeness) is that it is a symbolic number and represents all of the saints throughout history. It is the sum of all the twelve tribes of Israel listed in Revelation 7 (12,000 in each tribe). In contrast to the number of the beast, the 144,000 have the Father’s name written on their foreheads, indicating that they belong to God. Ephesians 1:13b–14 states: “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” He has purchased us from among mankind and made us blameless through the death of His Son and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

- There is security in knowing that God has sealed us with His Spirit. Our identity is not based on our performance, but on what Jesus already did to secure our eternal destinies.

The Three Angels (14:6~13)  

There is some disagreement amongst scholars regarding the meaning of this passage. Is the “gospel” proclaimed by the first angel the same Gospel we believe and share? Some experts say no because the Church was assigned to preach the Gospel, and the message in verse 7 differs from the Gospel that saves us. Other scholars say it is the same message and that this is a warning to those who have not yet repented. The second angel (v. 8) notifies the earth that Babylon is doomed. Babylon represents God’s enemies and those who bow to other gods. The third angel warns against worshiping the beast and accepting his mark.

- We should actively share the Gospel today, for one day it will be too late to hear the Good News. Pray for your family and friends. Judgment is coming. 

A letter to God 

Lord, thank you that I am counted among the 144,000. It is not because of anything I have done, but only because of Your grace and mercy. My faith is a gift that comes from You. I simply respond in worship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.