Simply the Bible Blog

The book of Revelation introduces us to a group of 144,000 Jews. They are sealed by God during the seven-year period of time knows as the Tribulation and protected from some of the horrible plagues coming upon the earth. We discover their characteristics in Revelation 14:1-5. While they are a selected group of people, I believe they serve as godly examples for us all.

“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.” (Revelation 14:1, NKJV)

They are with the Lamb

John the Baptist introduced Jesus of Nazareth as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). By-in-large the Jews have rejected Him as their Messiah. But these Jews are standing with Him on Mount Zion when He returns to reign on the throne of David.

The Father’s name is written on their foreheads

This stands in contrast to those who have the name of the Beast (Antichrist) written on their right hands or foreheads. This is a sign that they belong to God.

“And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.” (Revelation 14:2–3, NKJV)

They sing a new song

Seven times in the Old Testament we are exhorted to sing to the LORD a new song. This speaks of a fresh love for God.

“These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4, NKJV)

They are sexually pure

The fact that they are “not defiled with women” does not imply that sex between a husband and wife is evil, for it isn’t (Hebrews 13:4). This probably means that they were unmarried and celibate. It also speaks of their fidelity to God. Throughout Scripture, when God’s people have turned to idols (and sexual immorality is idolatry), God has considered it to be an act of adultery against Him. In 2 Corinthians 11:2, the apostle Paul extended the concept of virginity to the entire church, meaning the need to maintain a pure devotion to Jesus Christ.

They follow the Lamb wherever He goes

There is something beautiful about this picture. Wherever Jesus goes, they go. Their eyes remain fixed on Him. Their vision of Him is enough. The church is wise to imitate their example (Hebrews 12:2)

Redeemed from men; Firstfruits to God

These are a special group, but they come from ordinary people. They are firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, meaning that they are the beginning of the greater harvest to come when all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26).

“And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Revelation 14:5, NKJV)

No lying lips

There is no deceit found in their mouths. They always speak the truth.

Blameless before God

No accusation against the 144,000 will stick. According to Jude 14, Jesus is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy!

Takeaway

The 144,000 are an inspiration to us of those who please God and who follow the Lamb. We who have trusted in Jesus Christ have already been sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). We belong to God and have been redeemed from among men by the blood of Jesus Christ. Soon He will present us blameless before His presence with exceeding joy! In the meantime, let us imitate the 144,000 in their total devotion to the Lamb.