In Chapter 7 verse 3 (note underlined part) we read: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." This is the seal of our Heavenly Father. Also in chapter 14:1 "Who had His (Jesus) Name and His Father’s Name written on their foreheads." It's not just the Father's Name but Jesus' too. This sealing is so their testimony and message will be perfect. They will know where to go, what to do and will be preserved whatever the devil tries to do with them. This is during their time of ministry in the Tribulation. Amen.
The two passages give several clues to who they are. In chapter 7, as already told, they are sealed with the Father's Divine Name. Then, in chapter 14, we are told (verse 3) "They sang a new song before the throne." Also, "they have been redeemed from the earth." Verse 4: "These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb." Verse 5: "No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."
So, they are revealed (144,000) as armies surround Israel. They don't have sexual relationships, aren't corrupted by worldly ways, by religious church attitude or the mixed opinion of those they are with in Israel. They sing the song of God - only Israelis not Gentiles, because they were scattered. Through it their mourning is turned to gladness. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes evangelising the lost world of the Tribulation. Like the Egyptians in Pharaoh's time the people of the world will totally cry out for salvation. (Exodus 10:7 last part.) "Do you not yet realise that Egypt is ruined?”
(Revelation 7:2-3.) "Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Just as the judgment is about to start by the four angels they are revealed.
God is showing the intent of His heart. Look also at Jeremiah 31:1 - “At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.” Back in chapter 30:22-24: “‘So you will be My people, and I will be your God.’” See, the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a driving wind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until He fully accomplishes the purposes of His heart. In days to come you will understand this." It's the end times or latter days. At the same time 144,000 are revealed and judgment is right at the door the house of Israel will return to the Land!
Consider also that this group of sealed Israelis are His servants. "They will be My people." At same time as Father's Divine Name is revealed."They sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders." (Revelation 14:3.) Just like in Pharaoh's time and his armies: "And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for He hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea." (Exodus 15:21.) (Only one horse and its rider - its an end time application.) They will sing a new song into the Millennial Kingdom.
Jeremiah 31:15."This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” They are still mourning today. Why is this? Because of their troubles which are increasing! Look, however, at verses 16 & 17: This is what the LORD says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the LORD. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your descendants,” declares the LORD. “Your children will return to their own land." Why are they rewarded? Because they completed their task of bringing the Saviour to the Cross. Salvation came to the world. As stated in Genesis 12, through Abram (later Abraham) a blessing to all the nations. Why also, they do return to the Land! And when they do will turn and repent! (Verse 18.) "Restore me, and I will return, because You are the LORD my God."
Jeremiah continues to speak: chapter 31:20. "Is not Ephraim My dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD." Likewise, we also learn that before Israel returns Judah comes back first. This can be found in Zechariah 12: 7-9: "The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honour of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the Angel of the LORD going before them. On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem."
So He will do His will! Learn also in my next blog about Joseph how He will make a transfer or a switch in emphasis from the times of the Gentiles in the church age and return to His purposes for Israel - the Twelve Tribes. Amen.