Introduction:

 

This chapter is a parenthetical between the sixth and the seventh seals.  This will happen once again in the trumpet judgments (chap. 12 – is a parenthetical).

As we anticipate the removal of the seventh seal and the opening of the scroll of destiny, we are given a glimpse of what will happen.  This is a dramatic interlude that delays the events about to happen for a little bit longer.

 

There are two visions in this chapter:

There is the sealing of the 144,000, and the multitude before the heavenly throne.  We will look at these visions as of the Church of Christ but from two vantage points.  Prior to the trumpet judgments, the remaining believers will be sealed and saved from the impending devastation on the earth.  These and all who believe in Jesus will enjoy the blessings of being in the presence of God for their faithful endurance.  All this flies in the face of those – the worldly – who flee from God’s presence. 

This answers the quest of chap. 6, “Who can stand…?”

 

Revelation 7:1-8 – The Sealing of God’s Servants

 

John “sees” four angels standing at the four corners of the earth.  They are at the extremities of the earth showing they have control of the whole world.  Nothing is beyond their control since they are at the outmost places.  They are holding back the harmful winds from blowing destruction on the earth or anything in or on it.  Trees are mentioned – land, sea, and trees – seems strange – maybe representing living things.  Zech. 6:1-10 – speaks of the four chariots and the spirits or winds of heaven – (Heb. ruach – breath, wind).  Here too, we hear of winds – Could this be an image of the Four Horsemen we saw in chapter six?  John’s winds are of the earth, and, like wind, they have destructive power on earth. 

 

What is the fate of believers during these terrible happenings?  The forces of nature (wind, etc.) are under the charge of angels.  Four winds are the destructive agent of God – apocalyptic thought – (Dan. 7:2; Is. 11:12; Jer. 49:36ff).  What is most vulnerable and most effected by wind?  TREES – yet not even trees are allowed to be blown upon by these winds of destruction YET – buy Why?

 

The servants of God (144,000) must be sealed and protected first!  Who are these 144,000?  Literal Israel? The church?  Why list by tribes? John may have used an earlier source for this image and gave it his own meaning or significance as we have already seen him do.  The angel, who John sees, comes from the East – from the rising of the sun – What comes from the East?  The presence of God in the temple – it faced east – the sun every morning rises in the East – the wise men came from the East to worship Jesus – and in other writings, the Messiah would come from the East.  This angel has the seal of the living God in his hand.  What does a seal signify – especially in a time when many are illiterate?  Ownership!  The seal marks those who belong to God and who will be preserved through the destruction that is about to occur.  So who might they be?

 

All who are God’s are sealed and protected.  Twelve tribes of twelve-thousand each.  The best of the best of Israel – complete (12) – entire Israel.  We (the church) are spiritual Israel in its completeness and fullness.  We are in Christ, and even the forces of nature are in submission to the Creator God and will not be allowed to destroy until God’s servants are sealed, marked as belonging to Him – untouchable.  Twelve tribes of Israel made up the people of God – sanctified and consecrated to Him.  The 144,000 are the perfect total of Israel – the church. (see Jas. 1:1; Mt. 19:28; Lk. 22:30 – Christians = true Jews – Rom. 2:29).   We are “the Israel of God” – Gal. 6:16

We are – the church is – God’s very own people now – (Titus 2:14).  Abraham is the father of all who believe (Rom. 4:11) – circumcision (Phil.3:3).  These are Abraham’s children (Gal. 3:7).  “Israel after the Spirit.”

 

John already spoke of those who are Jews but are not – (2:9; 3:9).  New Jerusalem is the spiritual home of “Christians” – believers – who belong to God.  The church sealed by God before they enter this time of severe trial and persecution.  They have HOPE!  Later we will see the church triumphant and at peace.  The tribes are then listed – another new order?  Judah is first – the royal tribe and the one from which Messiah came – the Lamb of God.  No other real significance to the order exists.  Dan is missing – why?  This is not known.  Antichrist will come from here – maybe that’s why.  Manasseh is listed but not Ephraim – along with Joseph.