“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God” (v.3)

There now comes a pause in events.  It would appear here now that John is looking in two directions, and seeing both the beginning and the end of the Great Tribulation at the same time!

Firstly, he looks to the earth and sees four angels holding back God’s judgement until 144,000 Jews are sealed, this group being described as ‘the servants of our God’. The sealing of the 144,000 witnesses tells us that God will continue to protect those to whom He assigns special ministries during the tribulation.

Secondly, John looks towards heaven and sees a great multitude too numerous to count, representing all peoples of the earth who have come out of the great tribulation.  They are clothed in white and waving palm branches (compare Jn 12: 12-13).

Across eons and cultures, palm leaves symbolize victory with integrity. In ancient Greek mythology, palm leaves were the symbol of Nike, the winged goddess of victory, and the Greeks bestowed palm leaves upon victorious Olympic athletes.

 ‘The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green’. Ps 92: 12-14

Palm branches here symbolize goodness and victory: (Rev 6:15-17).

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Questions: 

How do we know we are ‘sealed in Christ’ and assured of our salvation? What comfort can we take for this chapter today?

Pray:

Holy Spirit, fill me afresh this day with confidence of my salvation.

Action:

Prayerfully contemplate: Romans 2: 28-29. Amen.