144,000
Suggested Reading: Revelation 7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Shepherds' Field in Bethlehem is said to be the place where the shepherds watched their flocks by night, when the angels appeared to them with the announcement of the birth of Jesus. In the symbolism of today's reading, the Lamb is also the Shepherd. Tradition tells us that John was in a cave on the island of Patmos when he received the "Revelation."
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Jim and Kathy Cantelon write today’s 100 Words segment (originally published in Crossroads’ “Day Unto Day” devotional series)…
Reading Revelation is like looking through a kaleidoscope. The colours, the patterns, the overall picture keeps changing – it seems in constant flux. Suddenly, the martyrs “under the altar” of 6:9 are now “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb” (7:9). Numbered among them are “144,000 from all the tribes of Israel” (verse 4). I say “numbered” loosely, for we’re reading about an apocalyptic vision here, and any number’s value is symbolic. (Even the naming of “all the tribes” bows to symbolism in this case, for the tribe of Dan is not mentioned. Instead of Dan is Manasseh – see Genesis 49.)
As the martyrs glorify God – “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (verse 10) – the angels “around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures” (verse 11a) fall down and worship (verses 11b, 12).
In the middle of all this, a dialogue occurs between two people: John and “one of the elders” (verse 13a). The elder asks John if he knows who these countless thousands are. Then he answers the question himself, telling John that “these are they who have come out of the great tribulation” (verse 14a). They “have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (verse 14b). And now, “the Lamb…will be their shepherd” (verse 17). That first martyr, Jesus, who gave His life that they might live, “will lead them to springs of living water” (verse 17b). The Lamb is a Shepherd.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
O “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b), Your servant, John, was likely there at the Jordan 70 years earlier and heard John the Baptist say those words. Thank You for all those years of faithfulness by John and for the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” which he shares with us. I pray for the faith to receive the promise. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Again, as promised, I want to introduce Jim and Kathy’s children. I’ve featured Todd and Jess over the last two days; now it’s Kate’s turn. Viewers of 100 Huntley Street will remember the sad news of the death of Kate’s first husband, Rob Hall, who was killed in an accident while working on the construction of a new building at the Trans Africa Christian University, where he was a professor of Theology and Agriculture. He served as a missionary with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Kate and her children returned to Canada to live for a time with Jim and Kathy, and she became a teacher at a Christian Reformed High School. She also took on the Pastoral responsibilities at a Chinese Anglican church. She is now married to Rev. Tom Smith, an Anglican minister and curate at St. Bride’s Church in Mississauga. Tom is a PhD candidate at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto (click here to meet Kate on 100 Huntley Street).
As a child of probably 9 or 10, Revelation 6:14-17 made a huge impression on me at a family altar reading. The word picture here is so powerful! I could imagine all the rulers who thought they were so big, so important, and so powerful that they did not need God, and who had blasphemed His Name, cowering in the caves for fear. I could almost hear them crying out “to the mountains and rocks ‘fall on us and hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!'” (6:16). I remember looking around at my mother and father and seeing peace and security on their faces. And when we knelt in prayer, their prayers for lost souls gave me a sense of that which is most important in preparing for eternity. Mother died when I was 12. I had no doubt that she was in a place of perfect peace and joy. For me, however, I wallowed in self-pity and resentment against God for almost four years. I urge, with passion in my heart, for everybody to come to Jesus now. He took upon Himself the judgment of God! At His death the rocks ripped apart, the skies were total darkness, and He said, “It is finished!” From that time until now He says to us who believe, “DO NOT FEAR!!!” Call 1-866-273-4444 for a loving person who will pray with you for assurance of your eternal safety, security, love and peace in Jesus!
Yours for NO FEAR!!!
David
The support pillars were not there in the cave with the shepherds and sheep at the birth of Jesus but are in place today as a safety measure for visitors. God chose the shepherds as the first evangelists. They proclaimed to all in Bethlehem, the place where the lambs for the Temple sacrifices were born and raised. Luke probably interviewed the shepherds for his Gospel. He wrote of the shepherds, "They made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child, and all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them concerning this Child" (Luke 2:17-18).
Remarkable commentary!”I stand amazed in the presense of Jesus the Nazarene and wonder how He could love me a sinner, condemned, unclean.” But oh the love of God for each of us that He would die for us and wipe our slate clean. Wondering who these elders are specifically. Glad the Lord takes our fear away.
A wonderful interview with Kate. Her courage and dedication, having many roles in her life, serve as an example to others facing bereavement and change in life. What a difference it makes having faith and knowing we are not alone. Appreciate the insightful commentary on Revelation 7. Have a great day, everyone!
Marvelling (the word does not come anywhere close to describing the feeling), along with John, Luke, the angels and elders–singing Holy, Holy, Holy, Glory Glory Glory to the Lamb!!! “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” We bow down to YOU, GOD, we fall on our faces before the vision of the throne described in Revelaton 7 and worship YOU, saying:
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”
Thank you, for the reminder about the prayer lines this morning. I just called for prayer for my nephew, Chris who is in bondage. I spoke with Len who lifted my nephew up to the Lord and gave me strength as an auntie with heart pain. Thank you, Len, for listening to every word I shared, calling out to our Jehovah Jireh for Chris, and strengthening me with the Word. Praying for the Holy Spirit to break through to my nephew, bring angels to protect and guard him, bring righteousness into his life, the Word into his daily routine and strength to encourage him. Come Jesus into Chris’ heart, body, mind and soul !!!
We love you David Mainse!! Blessing dear saints. Praying for miracles for everyone, God’s revelation and righteousness of the Risen King.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.
–Reinhold Niebuhr
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6
Could I please ask all saints to hold my nephew Christopher up in prayer. Thank you!!
Lord Jesus, we come before you from a position of “Authority”. You gave your disciples POWER and AUTHORITY over ALL Demons and to Cure Diseases. Jesus sent His Disciples out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9: 1-2
I can’t say enough about the book – Essential Guide to Healing by Bill Johnson and Randy Clark… Bill interprets Power and Authority from Heaven this way: “Authority is quite different than power. Power is explosive and environmental in the sense that it is the actual atmosphere of Heaven that changes the atmosphere of Earth. Authority is a position given by Jesus Himself. A policeman carries a gun (power), but he also carries a badge (authority). The badge does more than the gun.”
Jesus you gave your believing believers the same gifts as you gave your disciples. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour we bring Chris before you. We await Your Miracle in him… for Your Honour and Glory Amen!
Thank you, brother David. I have listened to videos by Bill Johnson in the past month. I will get this book you mentioned. Thank you for your powerful prayer and inspiration to me!
Beverlee I add my prayers with others for Christopher and that God will intervene and touch him releasing him from the demon within. In the mighty name if JESUS.
Thank you, Catherine, dear sister-in-Christ!
A prayer for Chris and those who suffer along with him because of his addiction – and for all of us who trust God to intervene in the lives of those we love:
“Our Father in Heaven, touch Chris’ life today as he struggles with addiction. Bring him to the end of himself – when he realizes that he is powerless over his addiction and his life has become unmanageable. When he reaches that “bottom” of his life, may he realize that he is landing on the Rock of Ages, may he turn his eyes upon Jesus asking for his forgiveness and deliverance. May he turn his life over to you. Bring him into contact with a ministry or an individual that can encourage him in his faith and assist him in the journey of recovery. May God bless, encourage and comfort those who are devastated and affected by their loved ones addiction. We cry out to you in Jesus Name and surrender individuals in our lives who need God and need deliverance. Do whatever you need to do in their lives that will bring them to a point of decision for Jesus Christ in their lives. I pray this in the precious Name of Jesus and for His glory.”
Thank you, brother Samuel. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen!
I love the Cantelon’s statement that the Lamb became a Shepherd. How ironic! I’m guessing that the John who is experiencing the Revelations is not John the Baptist.
What a joy and comfort to not live in fear of death and dying. I remember hearing that we were going to die when I was just a child and going into shock at the news. My parents were Christians but nothing was explained to me about ‘eternal’ life. How important it is to ask our children questions and explain answers lovingly and patiently to all their questions concerning the Word.
Have a joyful day of patience and love for our fellow man in Jesus name!
See Saturday May 3, post when we began Revelaton 1, Lynda.
Under the photo it reads:
—The Greek Island of Patmos is located in the Aegean Sea. Its u-shaped geography creates a perfect harbour. This is where the Apostle John was exiled by the Roman government and where he received The Revelation. “I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9).
Thank you Beverlee Kay. It just kind of threw me when I read DM’s PRAYER FOR TODAY, and I quote, “Your servant, John, was likely there at the Jordan 70 years earlier and heard John the Baptist say those words.”
My interpretation of what David Mainse is saying is he suspects the apostle John might have been present to witness Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist; because he speaks of both Johns in the same sentence.
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
May the souls of the faithful departed continue to rest in peace, and may The Lord have mercy on those who where not ready. Good explanations from both sides.
May the Good Lord bless us all and may we all have a wonderful day.
Surly by His grace that has be assured us, we shall be part of those in white robes on that day in Jesus name , AMEN!!!!
Thank you Father for giving John Your revelation. Thank you Jim and Kathy Cantelon for your teaching on today’s Holy Scripture. Thank you David Mainse for your faithfulness in keeping this wondrous blog alive each day. Praise God!
Thank you bloggers for your thoughts and prayers. May our Lord and personal Saviour bless our petitions that we lay upon Him today…
Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone.
Amen, David, amen!
My prayers go up for who are in need, and there are many needs .God bless youall…..R….
Dear Rev. David M.
Once more today the Cantelones give us such clarity of Revelation 7 . I was so touched by Kathy Cantelons testimony , what an Amazing God we serve.
PS… Sister Beverlee , thank you so much for sharing with us the prayer of serenity which has been for many years for myself a prayer that I turn to in times of trouble. I was hoping to find it in english having it only in french.
Will be adding your nephew Christopher in prayer tonight at church at our bible study and fellowship.
May I request from all my fellow saints prayer on my family who are still in need of salvation.
Have a blessed day everyone.
xxxx Carole.
I remember the sad news when Kate’s husband was killed…and when as host ion 100 Huntly Street…with Moria Brown…Jim sharing the joy and sometimes trials of being a full-time grandpa….Also I rejoiced with all when Kate and Tom were married.
How Great and Faithful is our God!!! He orchestrates a beautiful tapestry in our lives as He brings us through the trials if life.
Reading Revelations daily is a blessing! Thank you for the enlightenment.