The Way - Day 217 (Revelation 7)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Revelation 7:1-17
Six of the seal judgments have already been unleashed upon the people of the earth because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as the Savior (Revelation 6). The first four seal judgments take place during the first three and a half years of the seven-year tribulation period (6:1-8). The tribulation period immediately follows the removal of the church from earth (rapture), which is detailed by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. No start date or time is given as to when all this will happen, but the apostle John, at the end of the first century, received a personal glimpse of future events. God wanted all generations to know the things which awaited those who reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as payment for their sin.

The fifth and sixth seal judgments (6:9-17) usher in the second half of the seven-year tribulation period. At the conclusion of the sixth seal judgment, all those on the earth are hiding in caves and rocks in the mountains wishing they could die (6:15-16). The sixth seal judgment has produced a great earthquake, the sun turning black (maybe from the ash of volcanic eruptions), moon turning red (maybe also from the ash), meteor showers, the sky disappearing, and the continents shifting (6:12-14). These horrendous events cause men to fear for their lives. They will recognize that these judgments have been sent from God (6:16-17).

Following the sixth seal of the scroll being opened by Jesus, John sees four angels at the four corners of the earth who will send temporary respite upon the earth (7:1). Another angel descends from the east "…having the seal of the living God" and demanding that the earth not be harmed until God has "sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads" (7:2-3). John hears that the number of those who will be sealed will be 144,000 Jews. This group is most likely people who have received Jesus Christ as the true Messiah during the seven-year tribulation period. They missed the removal of believers from the earth because they did not believe in Jesus Christ; however, during the time of judgment on the earth, they accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin. This 144,000 (12,000 from 12 tribes of Israel) will become witnesses of Jesus Christ during the second half of the tribulation period and receive special protection from the judgments. These Jewish believers will spread the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ and many will be saved from eternity in hell.

The next group of people John sees are all those who have been martyred during the tribulation period for their faith in Jesus Christ.

"After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes...and crying out with a loud voice saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" (Revelation 7:9-10)
One of the twenty-four elders tells John that the identity of this group are "…the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (7:14).

Although this time will be one of judgment and wrath, it will also be a time of great salvation and redemption. There will be many during the seven-year tribulation period who will respond to the judgments on earth. Some will finally turn their hearts to God and be saved through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Thank God that His mercy continues in the midst of judgment. He does not want anyone to face His wrath, but desires that all men will be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

Dear God, thank You for Your continual patience and mercy toward us. Although we are undeserving of Your forgiveness, You freely offer it to all.