Revelation 7 Terror has spread over all the earth.. war, disease, famine, and a great earthquake that caused so much dust that the sun was darkened.. over the whole earth! Then, John sees something more is about to happen.. there is a moment of waiting.. as 4 angels take their places "at the four corners of the earth.."

An announcement is made.. 144,000 people from the remnant of Israel will be "sealed".. set apart as "bond-servants of our God".  12,000 from each of the 12 tribes are marked on their foreheads for a special ministry during this end time.  

John also sees another amazing sight.. "a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and people and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;"   As they cried out with loud voices "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb" ... all the angels joined in with their worship.. and they all "fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God." 

This multitude, we are told, are the many who gave their lives during the tribulation. "For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them."  These are the ones who will no longer hunger or thirst or suffer.. the ones who will have their tears wiped away by God, Himself.  The ones who will be shepherded by the Lamb who will "guide them to springs of the water of life." 

The seventh seal is about to be opened.. but John must have been encouraged by the sight of the 144,000 Jewish bond-servants of God and the multitude of people from every nation who were with God and worshiping God. Beyond the tribulation to come.. there is a living hope.. for the Jews and for the nations. There is wonder and beauty and great rejoicing before the throne of God.. there is eternal life in the Presence of the Lamb. 

We may not be a part of the 144,000...or of the multitude saved through the tribulation.. but we will be there too.. falling on our faces before the throne of our God.. rejoicing in the glory and blessing and wisdom and honor and power of God and of the Lamb.  With hearts full of thanksgiving and praise.. we will worship with all our might!

Father, thank You for encouraging us by Your Word.. helping us to see that no matter what is happening in our lives today.. there is a greater life ahead for us who believe in Jesus Christ and have been adopted into Your family.  We have a living hope that can not be destroyed or taken away from us, for we are Yours.  Keep us in the truth.. Fill us with Your Spirit.. Lead us in Your paths.. Thank You. amen.