October 7, 2008

• Revelation 7:9-17

  Revelation 7:9-12 KJV  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;  (10)  And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.  (11)  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,  (12)  Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

  These multitude are gentiles saved as a result if the 144,000.

  Once again we see heaven filled with the worship of God.  You see, if you really believe what you are singing about, then you will sing it loud and strong. You will sing it with feeling and emotion as we see here in heaven.

  Revelation 7:13-14 KJV  And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?  (14)  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  This question isn’t because the elder doesn’t know.

  This phrase “great tribulation” is the phrase used to describe that seven year period when God’s judgment comes upon the earth.

  And now we see this great multitude of people who have come “out of” this great tribulation.

  This group of people are a unique group, a group of people saved after the Rapture, but before Jesus comes back.

  How have they come “out” of the great tribulation? They have been martyred, dying for their faith.

  During the tribulation period, people are going to be asked to make a choice – worship the antichrist and take his mark, or be put to death. (Rev.13:15-17)

  Those who take the mark of the beast will face the wrath of God (Rev.14:9-12)

  Are you ready to die for God? How’s that for a great hypothetical question? What would you do if they put a gun to your head and told you to bow to the antichrist or die? What would you do if they told you to bow to the antichrist, or be laughed at by the rest of the guys at work? You can’t say you’ll die for the Lord if you don’t already live for Him.

  Revelation 7:15-17 KJV  Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.  (16)  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.  (17)  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  These dear saints of God who suffered much affliction for their faith on the earth are now before God and serving Him. No longer will they hunger because the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ will meet their needs.  No longer will they thirst because the Fountain of Living Water, Jesus Christ will satisfy their needs. No longer will they face any physical affliction because the strong tower, Jesus will watch over them and protect them, they can find shelter under His wings.  You see, those days are over and now they are in the presence of the Lord!  It is as David said in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.“  That is truly the ultimate; it doesn’t get any better than that!

  When we get to heaven will we be sorrowful, sad, shed tears over the wasted opportunities we had in this life?  Absolutely not!  Yes, we might not receive the rewards that we could have, but John tells us that God will wipe away every tear! What about all the pain and suffering we endured in this life, will that affect us in heaven?  Think of these Tribulation Saints and John tells us that God will take away those tears from them, the past pain, hurts will be gone.

  Open your heart to Jesus now and you will be saved. Right now is what is called “the acceptable year of the Lord.” The hard way is waiting until the tribulation. That will cost you your life. If you can’t do it now, how will you do it then? Can I give you advice? Do it now.

  Now is the time. What is keeping you from the Lord? Nothing is better then the Lord.

  Come to Him now. Please.

  Just as I am, without one plea,
  But that Thy blood was shed for me,
  And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

  Just as I am, and waiting not
  To rid my soul of one dark blot,
  To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

  Just as I am, though tossed about
  With many a conflict, many a doubt,
  Fightings and fears within, without,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

  Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
  Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
  Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

  Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
  Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
  Because Thy promise I believe,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

  Just as I am, Thy love unknown
  Hath broken every barrier down;
  Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

  Just as I am, of that free love
  The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
  Here for a season, then above,
  O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

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