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Revelation 7:1 – 8:5 Prayer

by fol CHURCH on December 12, 2018

So, the vision of the seven seals comes to completion. But, before the final seal is opened John looks further into the future and sees the faithful being marked by a seal upon their foreheads. It has striking similarities to the marking of the faithful in Ezekiel’s vision (Eze 9), and echoes of the daubing of blood on the lintels and doorframes at the time of the very first Passover. All of which speaks of impending judgment and the promise to spare the faithful.

The earth is presented as being held at each corner by an angel. It’s in the form of a square with a company of 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes set out in formation – it seems to be a deliberate use of military language and imagery to speak of an army raised up before the 7th seal is opened. It reminded me for some reason of the mass rescue of men from the beaches of Dunkirk during the 2nd world war. They were a special company rescued but the worldwide army was of course much bigger than that one company. John goes on to see a multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne. The 144,000 are not sealed as an exclusive number but as a foretaste of the multitude to come – a multitude which includes you and I.

There is no restriction on number. All are welcome. As Peter observes: ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’ 2 Pet 3:9. In a multitude there’s always room for one more.

There is lots of imagery; a merging of present and future, but the message is clear. Here’s the great promise for all those who have suffered for their faith: the Lord Himself has pitched his tent over you. Ultimately, you live under the shelter of His protection. Or, if you prefer, the blood of the Lamb has rescued you from slavery to sin and enables you to be in His presence. Or, here’s another thought: the Lamb has become the shepherd and He’s a good shepherd who will wipe away every tear from your eyes and lead you to springs of living water.

The seven seals are followed by the trumpets. More on those tomorrow. Before then there’s silence! Perhaps praise has to cease for the prayers of the saints to be heard.  It’s a wonderful assurance that our prayers are heard and make a difference. They rise up before God and will be answered. His Kingdom will come on earth as in heaven – the fire of His love will purify the world of all evil.

 

 

 

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How do we engage with silence? Try planning a fast from noise! Apply it to your context. You might need to fast from music, TV, computers, or social media. Maybe try a 24 hour fast – half an hour doesn’t seem much of a challenge.

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