144,000
Today’s 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:
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).
Amen–oh Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! What a wonderful segment prayer message and photos, this morning. Wishing all a wonderful day!
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18 NIV
More Than a Friend, Jeremy Riddle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18p8OyYgUhU
Amen! !
I was really touched by the message this morning, I thank you again Pastor David for you faithfulness and the example that you are to all of us. Blessings to all dear friends .
Amen!!
Amen!
What more can one say or add to this blog…but AMEN and AMEN!!!
“AND WHEN I THINK THAT GOD HIS SON NOT SPARING, SENT HIM TO DIE I SCARES CAN TAKE IT IN, THAT AT THE CROSS MY BURDEN GLADLY BARING, HE BLED AND DIED TO TAKE AWAY MY SIN”!!!
“THEN SINGS MY SOUL MY SAVIOR GOD TO THEE, HOW GREAT THOU ART, HOW GREAT THOU ART, THEN SINGS MY SOUL MY SAVIOR GOD TO THEE, HOW GREAT THOU ART, HOW GREAT THOU ART”!!!!
Amen, sister!
How Great Thou Art, Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2T1csHUgF4
Amen! And asking God to give you all that you may be needing today.
Have a blessed day everyone!
I am becoming anxious about a great grand baby who was to be born 10 days ago. Asking for pray for this family as they await the birth of their first child. Thank you.
Lord God Almighty I come before you on behalf of this family in pray, and ask little one be a healthy child and for a safe delivery into this world. I pray also for peace of mind for the parents, trusting in you for a beautiful healthy child.
I pray this in Your Mighty Name Jesus. Amen!!
Amen, sister!
How Great Thou Art, Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2T1csHUgF4
thank you Beverlee!
Amen to all blogs and prayers today!
I have always appreciated the honesty of David Mainse! He admits he was angry when his mom died! That fact of honesty is one of the main reasons why 100 Huntley Street has been so successful! People knew they could also be openly honest about issues in their lives, even to this day, sometimes I contact the prayer line and I can cry, say what is bothering me and express how angry I am; NEVER have the words “oh don’t say that, that’s not nice:” ever been said, instead I am always met with understanding and that is very much appreciated!
This honesty also speaks to the character of both the sons of David Mainse, Reynold and Ron…..wonderful Pastors, both with great minds of service of sharing the Gospel to all the peoples throughout the world! AMEN
God gave us all kinds of feelings and not being able to express them is a very sad situation! I think the Bible tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger, BUT, we can be hurt, angry, upset for many days and with God’s help He will walk with us and help us to calm down! In some cases it may take a long time, but, I feel it is very important to take as long as a person needs, AS LONG AS EVENTUALLY the person can come to terms with the situation. I know people who have been angry for years, but they know it also, and they are going to have to confront the situation sooner or later. A good friend will walk with you, and be there for as long as it takes God is there all the time and He understands, and He has Words of Wisdom for us to bring us comfort!
Praying the Lord will grant a healthy baby to the family of Beth Morrison. What a great celebration the birth will be; very exciting; many people to love this child; many years of happiness watching this precious child grow up and we pray that the family will give glory to our Lord God Almighty for this wonderful birth! ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO OUR TRIUNE GOD! AMEN AMEN AMEN