13.3 Revelation – 144,000 Between the Eyes

144,000 Between the Eyes

In the reading of Revelation (or any other prophecy), we must resist the temptation to read too much in to the scriptures.  We know what we know and don’t know what we don’t know.

It is also true that scripture brings light to scripture.

For example.  We know the angel is sent to mark 144,000.  We know 144,000 is 12x12x1000 and that there were twelve tribes (and 12 apostles).  But what about 1000?  We don’t know, but we do know in Deuteronomy 1:11, after wandering in the desert for 40 years, Moses gives final instructions to the Israelites for their entry into the Promised Land and calls forth this blessing onto them: “May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!”

Also, why are the 144,000 marked on their foreheads.  We’ll visit the 144,000 again in Revelation 14, but it is an interesting thought to ponder.  A business person or politician wears their name and affiliations on their chest and lapel (flag lapel pin).  A soldier wears their stripes on their arm.  An athlete wears a jersey with their team name on the front and number on the back. But the seal of God is placed on the forehead of these descendants of the 12 tribes.

But in Deuteronomy 6:6-8, the people of God are instructed, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”  This led to the practice of the Tefillin, the literal wearing of scrolls of scripture strapped to the forehead and wrist.  (These verses will be interesting again in Revelation 14 when the 3rd angel in the mid-heavens warns against receiving the mark of the beast on a forehead or hand).

One of the questions this week discusses confidence in being sealed.  One of the items that goes with this in BSF children’s program is the memorization of God’s word.  In our lesson this year, these memory verses are also on our weekly lessons.  They are fine to read and ponder, but wouldn’t it be better if we all memorized these verses?  Wouldn’t it make sense to strengthen our minds to go along with the seal of the Spirit?  Can you think of a better way of knowing the right words of peace, comfort, wisdom and joy in your life and witness to others, than for those words to be the actual words of the bible, imprinted in your memory?

My Answers:

5.
The seal of God – the Holy Spirit – another scripture: the story of Rahab, Joshua 2

6.
Judah, David, Jesus – It is in the leadership position, also that it is the tribe directly following the shekinah glory of God

7.
a.
I have the assurance of the scriptures and the peace of the Holy Spirit

b.
Longing for them to be sealed as well.  A joy in being able to share with them the Good News and the Spirit of God