S) "3 And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. 4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless."
Revelation 14:3-5 (NASB)
O) Like most passages in Revelation, we must understand that there are, actually, a few ways to interpret the book as a whole. Whether the majority of its prophecies have already been fulfilled, or they actually point to an "End Times" can vary tremendously. In this case, I'm not sure it actually matters, because the sovereignty of God on display is the same, whether this occurred in the first century, or it will occur centuries from now. This is not the first appearance of this multitude. Earlier, in Chapter 7, they were sealed on the head as bond-servants to God, to be protected from tribulation. Now in this chapter, they are said to have the name of the Father and Lamb (being Jesus) on their heads. This is noteworthy, because the previous chapter ended with the warning about the mark of the beast being on the foreheads (and hands) in order that they might be able to buy and sell. In both of these groups, we see a symbolism in this mark on the forehead (and/or hand), because this is one of the ways that the Romans marked their slaves (or "bond-servant" as many recent English translations have the word). These 144,000 were said to be the slaves of God, and now we see they bear His name on their heads. This is in contrast to the people who take the mark of the beast (implying an allegiance, debt, or slavery to him). With all this context in place, we come to the scene, seeing this multitude of faithful Christians (because they follow the Lamb, which is what disciples do, which is what Christians actually are) taking up wondrous worship to God, which is unique to them. Now, whether or not their are other Christians in this scene, in the world, is also not explained. However, this 144,00 is described as remarkably faithful. They are said to be chaste, but that seems very likely to be symbolically telling of their faithfulness to God, more than their physical sexuality. No lie is found in their mouths, which could be talking about them simply being honest, or it could also be more idiomatic. Honesty, in this way, was often representative of moral purity in general. When Ezekiel says he was a man of unclean lips, from a people of unclean lips, he seemed to be speaking of impurity more broadly. Also, when Jesus met Nathanael, he was called, "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Again, this could have simply meant he was extraordinarily honest, but it seems to carry with it a broader implication. And, the last line of v.5 certainly makes it clear that these people are blameless. Finally, and perhaps the most telling of the descriptions of this group, is that they are said to be purchased from among men as the first fruits to God and the Lamb. Now, this term is clearly symbolic, but it's not unique to this book. In fact, it appears several times in the New Testament, and it either refers to Jesus Himself, or to the church (see James 1:18 especially). So, this 144,000 seems most likely to me, to refer to the early church. This would set this whole period (at least from ch.7 through ch.14) in the time period of the early church.
A) The more I read through Revelation, trying to read it for what it says within itself, the more I wonder how much of it may already have come to pass. Having said that, I don't have a strong desire to be decided about it. If it does indeed refer to the past, then this passage is inspiring me to be like that early church, faithfully wed to the Bridegroom. I want to follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Even if I'm not counted among the first fruits to God, I want to keep lies from my lips, and remain blameless (I say "remain" because Jesus makes me blameless by justification, taking away the guilt of my sins before my Father in heaven). If, however, this multitude has not yet been revealed on earth, then I still want to be like them! It doesn't change the fact that this group, whoever they were/are, remain exemplary in their walk with Jesus. That is exactly who I want to be, exemplary in my walk with Jesus, and one day worshiping before His throne.
P) Father, You are worthy to be praised. This multitude, they are right to sing a new song before Your throne. Lord, I don't pretend to know all the mysteries of John's revelation, but this passage is clear, that I must remain a faithful disciple. I must remain loyal, unwavering in following Jesus. I must remain honest and blameless. I confess, that in terms of exemplary disciples, I have a long way to go. But I want to grow and mature in my relationship with You, God. Help me to be more like these, who are the first fruits. Let my life be for Your glory, God. I only want Your will to be done, that I would be a servant who pleases my Master. To You be all praise and glory forever. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment