THE 144,000 Devotion 10 of 26 -- Tomorrow:
Amidst the resurrection of Satan's power in religious apostasy, when a malicious beast is assaulting the people of God under the empowerment of the devil, Israel is turned to the Lord! The organized opponents of God's people are depicted as two beasts. The first beast depicts political, or worldly governmental power. It is introduced by, but not confined to, ancient Rome, who ruled the world. The second beast bears a striking resemblance to the first one, but is corrupt religion – religion that operates under the same principles as worldly governments. It was introduced by, but not confined to, the ancient Roman church. It reshaped religion, causing it to function by means of worldly-based authority. It produced an amalgamation of influences that were all fundamentally opposed to the God of heaven: (1) Political power, (2) Corrupt religion, and (3) The heathen inclination to idolatry and ritual.
Both of these beasts were noted for opposing, and even slaughtering, the saints of God (Rev 13:7-10; 16:6; 17:6; 18:24). They both viewed pure devotion to God through Christ Jesus as competitive with themselves, and therefore threatening to their existence. Eventually, as confirmed by history, as well as revelation, all governments and all corrupt religion eventually oppose the people of God. That is because they are governed by the wisdom of this world and a fundamental love for it. As tragic as it is, this is being confirmed in our own nation, which is passing and imposing laws against public activities and speech that are driven by devotion to, and confession of, Jesus Christ.
However, from the standpoint of our text, even though these opposing influences became prominent, the Deliver still came out of Zion and turned away ungodliness from Jacob, just as the Lord promised (Isa 59:20; Rom 11:26). Hallelujah for such a marvelous work! My heart fairly shouts, "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?" (Dan 4:35).
The faith of the saints is anchored in the heavenly realms – in their God (Heb 6:19). They must hear of the triumph of His purpose, even under seemingly impossible circumstances. God, who made a commitment to Israel, will not fail to fulfill it. As He Himself declared, "Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD" (Jer 31:35-37).
Neither, indeed, will He fail in His promise to all who have "received" His Son: "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12). And again, "And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). And again, "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:29-31). You have good reason to put your trust in the Lord!
Millenniums may come and go, and centuries waft along until men forget what God has promised. But the Word of God will not fail! If God did not let any of Samuel's words "fall to the ground" (1 Sam 3:19), what of His own words – His own precious promises? When the Lord of hosts "purposes," no one can "annul" it. When His hand stretches out to do a thing, no one can "turn it back" (Isa 14:27). It is ever true, "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations" (Psa 33:11, NKJV).
This truth is confirmed in John's vision of the 144,000 standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion. It depicts the fulfillment of God's covenant with them. He promised to take away their sin, and He will do it. As it is written, "For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance" (Rom 11:27-29). Let no person be foolish enough to argue with that, for they are sure to lose the argument, and be exposed as liars in the day of judgment as well. Now, a suffering saint can trust in a God like that, and hold on his way.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank and praise You for Your faithfulness to Your word.