December 19, 2019

Revelation 14:4-5

[4] These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. [5] And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Chapter 14 begins by speaking of the 144,000. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know everything, or understand everything about the book of Revelation. I love prophecy, but some of it confuses me. However, I love to see how the book of Revelation speaks to the believer, and is applicable to today in our life.

John here points out the separation of the 144,000. These men were no longer earth dwellers, but citizens of Heaven. Now we as believers today do not belong to this special group of 144,000, but like them we have been redeemed and do not belong to this world. I want you to notice with me an awesome portion of scripture that has really meant a lot to me over the last couple of days. These are the words of Jesus. In fact, it’s His prayer for His disciples before He was to be crucified. He also looked into the future and prayed this prayer for you and me.

John 17:14-19
[14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. [18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. [19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Jesus prayed and proclaimed we don’t belong to this world any longer. He prayed for His Father’s protection on us. He prayed that you and I would be clean and holy through studying, and obeying His Word. He commissioned us to spread His Word. Prophecy is a wonderful thing, but let’s not miss the opportunities we have to live for Jesus today.

Frank Newsome