The Lamb and the 144,000

In this chapter

In this chapter, you’ll:

Read the text: Rev 14

Key takeaways

• The 144,000 bear God’s name where the beast’s followers bear his mark. Their “virginity” is the prophets’ picture of a people faithful to God, not a ranking of the unmarried.
• The three angels preach, announce, and warn — in that order. The sternest warning in the book comes after the gospel reaches every nation.
• The harvest is read as two harvests with two outcomes (my reading) or as one judgment shown twice; scholars are divided. Either way, it’s ripe, and the Son of Man is the one reaping.
• Allegiance to the Lamb is the only safe ground, and those who die holding it will rest.

Reflect & discuss

• Read Revelation 14:1–5. What is said about the 144,000? Which of those descriptions are literal and which are pictures? How can you tell?
• The first angel’s message is “Fear the Lord, and give him glory… Worship him who made” everything. Why is worshiping the Maker rather than what he made the oldest and most basic call in the Bible?
• The third angel’s warning is followed at once by a blessing on those who die in the Lord. Why do you think John placed them side by side?
• The Son of Man reaps, and the winepress is trodden outside the city. What does it mean to you that the Judge is the one who was crucified there?
• (Personal; feel free to pass.) Whose name is written on your life? How would someone close to you know?

The last question is personal — no one should be required to answer it.