Vol.4, No.47 – November 24, 2019, Countdown to the end – 34
Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with Him, 144,000, who had His name and His Father’s name on their foreheads –Revelation 14:1
Some things are subtle undercurrents in the book of Revelation. These things intensify in the prophecy that gathers—in each unfolding. With each additional stem into the Great Tribulation (seven years), clarity unfolds; issues of life become very black and white.
- There is right and wrong
- There is Heaven and Hell
- There are rewards and punishment
- There are saints and sinners
- There is a satanic counterfeit kingdom and the Kingdom of God
Each is mutually exclusive to the other.
Common practice in the current world is to sit on the fence. In the Great Tribulation, sitting on the fence becomes outlawed. Humanity must choose sides. Humanity cannot continue to live with a foot in both camps. The final choice must be made, and it will be confirmed by a mark (tattoo or some such sign). That mark is placed on the right hand or on the forehead. That mark is a sign, a pledge, of a person’s allegiance.
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer –Henry David Thoreau
144,000 are out of step with the rest of the world. They are committed; they hear the beat of a different drummer; they hear the melody of a different Kingdom—the music of Heaven itself.
These 144,000 will shake the world to the core! They will turn the world upside down in the closing days of time. These are soldiers of Christ. These have clarity, courage, and unwavering allegiance. These are unequivocal. These are God-people.
Biblical scholars argue and question whether believers can expect to go through the Great Tribulation. However, the real challenge is since you will not be in the Great Tribulation, what manner of Christian ought you be?
What is your current mark that you wear? To whom is your allegiance? The issue is not so forceful quite yet. It ought to be. It is forceful in the future.
Believing is a spectator sport. Following is what makes you a player –Jan Hettinga.
Is it not time for each of us to jump into the fray? With both feet . . . to decisively choose what marks our life; the sign of identity; Christ as our One who came, lived, died, resurrected, and is the soon coming King of kings.
Worthy are you, our Lord and God! Revelation 4:11
He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! Revelation 2:7
Behold, Jesus is coming soon Revelation 22:6
Life Application
So, what mark do you wear? Are you wearing the mark while sitting on the top rail of the fence? A choice must be made; it cannot be avoided. It is time to decisively choose what will mark you!
