The Good Shepherd Saves the Nations

Introduction

Picture this: You're watching the latest Godzilla movie as the ancient titan rises from the ocean depths - 400 feet of unstoppable, radioactive fury. His atomic breath cuts through skyscrapers like a blowtorch through paper while King Kong trades earth-shaking blows that split the ground open. Military jets fire uselessly as their roars shatter windows for miles. But here's what always struck me about those movies: while everyone else runs screaming through the streets, there are always those underground Monarch bunkers - specially designed shelters that can withstand even Godzilla's atomic breath. Now imagine you're not watching the movie, you're living it. Air raid sirens wail, emergency alerts flood your phone, and that massive dorsal fin cuts through your harbor. But your neighbor who works for Monarch slipped you a keycard months ago: "If the titans ever come, get to Bunker 7. You'll be safe." While millions panic above and titans tear the city apart, you're secure in an indestructible shelter, protected by someone who knew this day would come.

That's exactly where we find ourselves in Revelation 7. In chapter 6, we witnessed something far more terrifying than any kaiju attack - divine judgment that left people crying out: "The great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" Who can stand when the King of kings rises in judgment? Only those who are hidden in his shelters, marked with his seal, protected by his love.

In Rev 7:9, this great multitude is standing before the throne.

Revelation 7:9 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

We are able to stand! Why Because the Good Shepherd saves the nations. What an interlude in the seal judgments!

This afternoon, we discover that when God seems absent in our suffering, he's actually most actively protecting his people

The Sealing the Saints (Rev 7:1-8)

A number of years ago, I was in Uganda, and thinking I was making the right decision, I left my passport with our friends near the capital city of Kampala rather than taking it with me when I traveled over near the border of the Congo. I was stopped by a police officer, and all of a sudden, I realized my sketchy situation. I couldn’t prove I was an American citizen with a valid visa, and that officer could throw me into jail! That American passport and visa stamp was like a seal that gave me both access and protection while I was there.

 Holding Back the Winds of Destruction (Rev 7:1-3)

“four angels” - connected to the “four angels” in Rev 9:14, also very possibly to the four horseman of Rev 6.

“four winds” - a universal disaster that comes from every direction.

“restraining” - demonstrates God’s sovereignty. He will not allow judgment to come until His appointed time.

“a great angel” - we don’t know who this is.

“seal of the living God” - Ezek 9:4-6; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30; 2 Cor 1:22 - belonging to God and under his protection.

Ezekiel 9:4–6 ESV

And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.

Ephesians 1:13–14 ESV

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 ESV

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

• we are sealed (Eph 1:13)

• our future is guaranteed (Eph 1:14)

• God’s power is at all times exerted on our behalf. (Eph 1:19-21)

Ephesians 1:19–21 ESV

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Why follow a dead idol when you have the living God in your midst?

“land and sea” - pointing to the trumpet and bowl judgments.

“until we have sealed” - God’s preeminent concern is for His people.

“slaves of our God” - 1 Cor 6:19-20 - You are not your own, you have been bought with a price.

Everyone faces injustice, experiences loss, and fears death - and God's answer to all three is the same: the seal of his protection

God’s restraint isn’t passive waiting. He’s actively preparing his people for what’s coming.

Sealing the Twelve Tribes (Rev 7:4-8)

The primary debate here is the identity of the 144,000. Does it refer to Israel or the church? Also, is this the same group as the multitude in the second half of the chapter?

For it being Israel:

Rev 7:4 “every tribe of the sons of Israel” - emphasis on every tribe speaks of Jewish people.

The detailed list of tribes that follows seems unusual if it is the church.

For it being the church:

Just as John was told about a lion and saw a lamb (5:5–6), so here too, he heard (ἤκουσα, ēkousa, 7:4) about the number 144,000 but saw a group whose number could not be calculated - Scheiner

The centrality of the faithful overcomers/the saints throughout the book:

Overcomers in the churches (Rev 2-3).

Redeemed of Rev 5:9-10.

Martyrs of Rev 6:9-11.

Multitude of Rev 7:9-17.

The saints who war with the beast in Rev 13:7.

The saints who endure in Rev 14:12.

The harvest of the righteous in Rev 14:16.

The hallelujah worshippers of Rev 19:6-8.

Those who reign with Christ in Rev 20:4-6.

Those part of the New Jerusalem/the bride in Rev 21:9-17

Either way:

• “144,000” - stresses the perfect completeness of the whole “number” of the persevering faithful.

• Their sealing is pictured as preservation for a specific time.  Rev 9:4 - They were told...to harm...only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”

Revelation 9:4 ESV

They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

There is an application for us, which would have been the same comfort as the churches of Asia Minor. By faithfully persevering, we demonstrate the seal (ownership and protection) of our heavenly Father. He will never forsake His children!

Also, we may face the wrath of the dragon and his minions, but we will never face the wrath of the Lamb!

1 Thessalonians 5:9 ESV

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 1:6–7 ESV

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Some further thoughts:

This listing of the twelve tribes does not match any OT list (20+ listings).

This listing also has the form of a census, which does has similarity in the OT with preparations for battle.

The multiple of 1000 for each tribe may also have a military connotation.

This is then, “the messianic army” that carries the banner of Christ and his gospel to the nations.

Is so, then the result is seen in:

this multitude given the palm branches of victory in Rev 7:9, even through martyrdom

Revelation 7:9 ESV

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,

this army standing in glorious array with Lamb in Rev 14:1-5,

Revelation 14:1–5 ESV

Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.

and this army along with Christ gaining victory over the armies of the beast in Rev 17:14.

Revelation 17:14 ESV

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

All the while they sing a new song, the song of the redeemed, a hallelujah praise, for the Lord omnipotent reigns!

The devil cannot rob Christ of a single sonnet; the stanzas of our grateful praise shall continue to be poured forth though all the dragons howl as they may: “They sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders.” - Spurgeon on Rev 14:4

The Victory and Reward of the Saints (Rev 7:9-17)

John’s vision now shifts from earth to heaven, from the preparation to the celebration, from the sealing to the victory.

When the protection holds and the battle ends, there’s a celebration that defies imagination.

Scene of Worship (Rev 7:9-12)

Worship of Multitude (Rev 7:9-10)

This is a picture of the victorious believers after the great tribulation after the battle has been won, rejoicing in God’s salvation.

This multitude comes from “every nation and tribe and people and tongue” and parallels the list in Rev 5:9, who are the redeemed priesthood of believers.

Who can stand? The divine throne of judgment in Revelation 6, now is the divine throne of reward. They are before the throne given the place of honor, the place of welcome!

They are given white robes of victory, demonstrating their righteousness and purity. They are overcomers! The palm branches also picture victory, the reward of the faithful army.

“loud voice” - the cry of the martyrs in Rev 6, how long, now becomes the cry of praise, “salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb”

Worship of Celestial Host (Rev 7:11-12)

All the angels echo the praises of God’s people. They fall on their faces and worship with joy!

Identification of the Saints by the Elder (Rev 7:13-17)

 Their Identification (Rev 7:13-14)

They are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. Those of whom the world was not worthy (cf. Heb 11) But their faithfulness in overcoming tribulation is not the greatest identifier.

They are also those who have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. Their greatest identifier is that they are cleansed by the sacrifice of Christ.

The name in lights is Jesus!

True deliverance only comes through the blood of Christ. This is why we celebrate communion.

What were their robes like before? Filthy and dirty. They could not stand. We cannot stand before a holy God and must face His wrath apart from Christ because of our sin.

Jesus is our substitute. He washes us clean and forgives us. “Whiter than snow” (cf. Psa 51:7; Isa 1:18)

Come to Christ! He’s all you need. Come as you are!

Their Reward (Rev 7:15-17)

Presence and Service before God (Rev 7:15)

“they stand before his throne” - they are worthy to stand in His presence and serve Him.

“serve him day and night” - our priestly activity as believers.

“spread his tent over them” - tabernacle among us. His presence in our midst. All of the New Creation becomes the Holy of Holies.

Removal of All Suffering (Rev 7:16)

“never again hunger or thirst” - never be deprived again. Matt 5:6 - Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.”

“the sun will never again beat on them” - no more external harm. No scorching heat. No more suffering.

Actions of the Triune God on their Behalf (Rev 7:17)

“the Lamb will shepherd them” - Jesus is the good shepherd who knows his sheep by name and lays down his life for them (John 10:3,11,14).

This promises the removal of the curse

“guide them to life-giving streams of living water” - these are the streams that give life, eternal life. The Holy Spirit

the Spirit will empower us to fellowship in communion with God and to “see his face” (22:4). Already we experience the Spirit’s indwelling ministry, which gives us knowledge of Jesus’s identity and our unity with him (John 14:20; 15:26; cf. 1 John 3:24; 4:2–3; 4:13). Further, this gives us genuine hope because the Spirit brings God’s fatherly love to us (Rom 5:5). Revelation 7:17 describes it as the Father wiping “every tear” from our eyes.

“wipe every tear” - strong word meaning obliterate. All earthly pain and sorrow will be removed forever by God the Father!

The question that has enthralled theologians throughout the century, then, is “What does it mean that we will “see his face” (Rev 22:4). Numerous passages use similar language. Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Hebrews 12:14: “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord.” Job 19:26–27: “Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh. I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me.”

Passages that assert, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face” (1 Cor 13:12), “We know that when he [the Son] appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is” (1 John 3:2), and “The one who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) reinforce the idea that the Lamb at the Father’s right hand is the mediated vision of the Father.

Conclusion

Is there any earthly achievement that can begin to compare with this scene?

Persevere in this life, and God will more than make up for any and all of your sufferings on His behalf.

Romans 8:31–39 ESV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So the question that began our passage - 'Who can stand?' - has been answered. The question that remains is: 'Where do you stand today?

In all of this see the sufficiency of Christ! He’s all you need. This Lamb who is your shepherd. He will guide you and lead you. He will save you. He will be victorious. You are His slave, with His seal. He owns you. He will be victorious to bring His kingdom to completion and to make all things new! Worship Him!

Communion

A spirit-empowered eternity then, involves an unbroken communion with God, where the Holy Spirit facilitates this relationship by dwelling within believers permanently. This implies a state of perpetual worship, joy, peace and participation in the presence and life of God. As Ferguson insightfully notes:

The whole of the Christian life then, with its deep roots in the love of the Father and its foundation in the grace of Christ, is characterized by what Paul calls the koinōniaof the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14; cf. Phil. 2:1). Paul’s genitive here (tou hagiou pneumatos) poses for us the happy problem of deciding whether the communion is that which the Spirit creates or that in which the Spirit is partner. Strong arguments can be advanced for both, and it is possible that the expression may itself be intended to cover both. It is in communion with the Spirit that we experience the communion which the Spirit creates in the blessings of the gospel in the context of the church of Christ. These are ordinarily inseparable.[1]

Perhaps it is the reason why the Lord’s Table is so important as a lasting ordinance. After all, it is through the Spirit’s new covenant ministry that we enjoy fellowship with Christ in the table (1 Cor 10:16). Listen to Ferguson again:

Here there can be ‘inexpressible and glorious joy’ (1 Pet. 1:8), a Spirit-given foretaste of the fullness of the presence of Christ which the believer anticipates as he proclaims Christ’s death ‘until he comes’. Then the regenerating work of the Spirit will be consummated (1 Cor. 11:26). Then, when the Spirit says ‘Come!’ (Rev. 22:17), the full reality expressed by the symbols will be present, and they will become, like the temple building, redundant (Rev. 21:22).[2]

[1]Ferguson, The Holy Spirit, 175–176.

[2]Ferguson, The Holy Spirit, 205.