Day 229

This chapter starts with Jewish believers being sealed for protection from the coming wrath. For those who think Jewish people have no place in the future, it looks like they do. There are Jewish believers even today, but there will be more in the future. I’m not sure what this seal is. I have to be honest. All I know is that it protects them from the coming wrath. God is able to protect.

When I was stationed at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland God protected. The chapel was holding a ministry outreach in a tent structure. Right before it began an extremely strong wind came through. It ripped the roofs off buildings, broke trees sheer off, toppled trees, and created a lot of damage. Right in the middle of the damage with the tent where we road out the storm. After the storm had passed we went out and say that the damage had skirted around the tent. Trees and damage came straight toward the tent, then moved to the sides, and then moved back together after it pass the tent. It was as though God put His hand over the tent and the winds traveled around it. Miracle! God is able to protect.

Some people get all excited about the 144,000. It think it is a symbolic number, rather than a literal number. I think this because each tribe is included, but the 12,000 is disproportional to the size of the tribe. Big tribes have the same number as small tribes. The only way that makes sense is if the number is symbolic of completeness. The complete number that is supposed to be there will be there.

By contrast with the Jews an innumerable multitude of non-Jewish believers is there. Again, completeness is emphasized. Every nation, tribe, people and language are represented. Everyone who should be there is there. And the activity is worship and respite. These have made it through the great tribulation. We don’t know if they died or survived. All we know is that they are there.

And for this multitude who made it out of the great tribulation, the Lamb provides food, water, shelter, and comfort. The picture of the great tribulation is one of deprivation. They just wanted shelter from the scorching heat of the sun, and now they get it. They just wanted a little water, and now they get fresh spring water, abundant, cool and clear. And the tears of suffering and pain are taken away by the loving hand of God.

These are the first to have their tears gently wiped by God. Later, when everything is made new, there are no tears at all. That will be a wonderful day when the results of sin and rebellion are removed. We return to the Garden experience and walk in the cool of the evening with God, having all we need for life at our fingertips.