The Lamb and the 144,000

After a picture of the servants of the dragon (the first and second beast) we get a picture of the servants of the Lamb. While the followers of Jesus were allowed to suffer in life, they will ultimately have victory in the end. The passage is both an assurance of Jesus’ victory over the forces of evil, and a call for Christians to remain committed to Jesus in the face of temptation (vs. 4 uses the metaphor of relationships to speak about moral and spiritual purity). As you read, ask God to strengthen you to live a life devoted to Him above all else.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

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REFLECTION

The Song of the Redeemed  

By Judy Webb

We are still studying from the book of Revelation, but this devotion was fun to write, inspiring even. The hope and fulfilment of promise oozes from the words in Revelation 14:3: “And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.”

This new song that only believers (the redeemed) could learn seems to be a special secret between them and God. A heavenly secret of sweetness while experiencing destruction around. Amid lessons on beasts, dragons, and all sorts of cataclysmic happenings on the earth, we hear singing. As I am writing this I can hear the song, He Reigns, playing in my head. Sorry, now you will too.

All the while we are reading from Revelation, we see God’s hand guiding us and encouraging us to change, to repent, to turn to Him for our salvation. We begin to understand how much He loves us, and how much He detests sin. We also hear his command to tell others of our salvation, to proclaim the Good News so they too can learn the words to this song and belt out the lyrics along with all the faithful redeemed of the earth.

My study bible suggests John writes these comforting words to assure us of a future in which all creation will perform together in harmony. Considering all that 2020 has dropped on our doorstep, I find this an encouraging concept. Peace and love among all who remain. God is good…

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

WEDNESDAY WISDOM – Pray for wisdom in these times as we all work toward protecting lives and consider the livelihoods of millions hurt by the economic impact.