THE 144,000 Devotion 26 of 26 What we have witnessed in the opening of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation is worthy of your extended consideration. In spite of Satan's aggressive and effective attack of the people of God, the Deliverer turns away ungodliness from Jacob. The ancient people are restored to God through Christ. Under their leadership, the promises of global affectation by the knowledge of God will be realized in an unprecedented way. How blessed to ponder these things. -- Tomorrow:
"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 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" (Rev 14:1-4).
THE LIFTING UP OF CHRIST
Although this work is supernatural, it employs the means of salvation with which we are familiar. There is no new Gospel through which all Israel will be saved. The Lord Jesus draws through His vicarious death in which He was "lifted up." Jesus said if He was "lifted up," He would draw all men to Himself. Men have presented a distorted view of this text, almost universally declaring that it refers to our Lord being lifted up in preaching. While there certainly is an element of truth in this, the proclamation of Himself was not the point of His words. It a inspired editorial remark, the Spirit clearly defines what Jesus meant by these words. "And I, if I be lifted up FROM THE EARTH, will draw all men unto me. THIS HE SAID SIGNIFYING WHAT DEATH HE SHOULD DIE" (John 12:32-33). Jesus also referred to this lifting up in His words to Nicodemus: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be LIFTED UP: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).
Christ's meaning is that if He died (being "lifted up on the cross"), he would also complete the work by drawing all men to Himself. It is true that the drawing power is realized through people's perception of "the cross of Christ." That is, as quickly as they see the truth about His death, Jesus will draw them to Himself, and they will come running. The death of Christ does, in fact, guarantee that as a Sovereign King, He will complete the work of bringing many sons to glory. That includes the ancient people, concerning whom God has promised, "For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" (Rom 11:27). When they see His death as the ultimate and effectual sacrifice for sin, Christ will use that death to draw them to Himself.
The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, as He is appointed to do (John 16:7-11). The veil will be lifted from their eyes in the reading of Scripture. The Law will be written upon their hearts and placed into their minds just as the New Covenant declares. They will know the Lord, as promised, and their sins and iniquities will be remembered no more. They will be with Christ in heavenly places, and follow Him wherever He goes. That is the summation of the 144,00 being on mount Zion with the Lamb, and following Him.
This is salvation as it is consistently represented in the Word of God. New hearts, new spirits, a new song, purity of speech, faultlessness before God – these are always resident in the salvation that is in Christ Jesus!
These traits, however, are NOT common within the professed church. In fact, they are exceedingly rare. This accounts for the impotence of the nominal church. A falling away has occurred in which the love of the truth has been largely rejected, and a preference for this world fostered. This has all occurred as men have succumbed to the delusions of the devil.
But let it be clear in your mind. The Gospel has not lost its power! The Holy Spirit has not become impotent! The intercession of Christ is still effective! The holy angels are still devoted to ministering to those who are the heirs of salvation. The ear of the Father is still open to the prayers of the righteous, and His eyes are ever upon them.
Nothing has changed in the heavenly realms! Men may still enter the holiest place with boldness. They can still obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. Everything still belongs to those in the Son. The whole armor of God can be put on, the devil effectively resisted, and the eyes of the understanding be opened.
These things are lost when men's hearts grow cold toward the Lord. When the affection is removed from things above, they no longer become accessible. But wherever there is a sensitive soul, who will look to Jesus and seek the things that are above, all of the things said of the 144,000 will be experienced. Such individuals will be with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They will be undefiled, and no guile will be found in their mouths. They will be without fault before the throne of God, and will be employed by Him! This is the heritage of the saints, and all of them can possess it!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the thoroughness of Your great salvation.