The Character of the 144,000 (Rev. 14:4-5)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 08/26/2005

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Character of the 144,000

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  Revelations 14:4-5

 

            Message of the verse:  “4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.  5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.” 

            These two verses show the character of these 144,000 and they have impeccable character as can be seen.  A couple of things here that need to be explained and the first one has to do with the phrase “did not defile themselves with women.”  This does not necessarily mean that they were not married, although if one considers the time that they live in it would be much easier for them if they were not married.  A look at Paul’s word in his letter to the Corinthians speaks of his advice on this subject of marriage when times are rough.  The second thing has to do with firstfruits, which in the OT was a festival that the Jewish people were involved in where they would bring the first fruits of a crop to the priest and offer it to the Lord.  The Lord Jesus Christ is the firstfruits in that He is the first one to receive His glorious body.  If these people have all died in the Tribulation period and are in heaven then it could be that they are God’s firstfruits of that period.  If this celebration is conducted on the earth then they could be the firstfruits that go into the 1000 year Kingdom.  It seems to me that both of these could have some problems.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I do know that the thing that I can take out of these verses is from the character of these people and follow that, character of not lying and keeping myself clean within my marriage, and to follow the Lamb of God in all that He would want me to do.

 

The Word of God has challenged my heart as I read it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To follow the Lord Jesus Christ and His example while He was on this earth.  To trust and obey Him in all that I do.