What Those Coming out the Great Tribulation Teach Us

Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, called in these times to persevere and to overcome/triumph

Things aren’t always as they seem, are they? In this world John was living in - people starting to be persecuted for their faith, friends he pastored - dying, generation going to get worse. He himself, taken out of the picture - forced labour. And John has said I am partner in this kind of tribulation. And most recently saw first four seals of God’s Book Decrees - judgments - not just world cursed with wrath of God, but judgment by four horse men of apocalypse - suffering on whole world, on God’s people and the earth-dwellers who reject him alike - war, collapse of civil peace, financial doom, then pestilence. We saw the saints praying in the middle of this and then sixth seal. And now you’d expect the 7th seal, and with it the Final Judgment Day.

And you know it will feels like before the final judgment, whether in John’s day, or now in ours? It can feel like on journey in car, all have little phone - traffic jam, one turn to next catches up . Spoke with a pastor miles away, one trial after another,… Get lost in those details, and all the suffering of this life overwhelm. And what the living Jesus from heaven does next for John and His church until He comes again, is what we all need in suffering and trial. God’s people whoever you think they are on earth - at this point, have something to teach us all. These ones in John’s vision who are coming out out of the great tribulation. John doesn’t get to who until after he figures out their lesson first. Please do the same.

This Palm Sunday it is the same story. It seems like Jesus going to the Cross, more opposition, things falling apart, all turn against him, but God gives Him and He gives us Mt of Transfiguration. Like pulling out big picture road map - this is where your going - go down into valley of need and suffering, and ministry. And he goes into Jerusalem to what to die and save us, but God gives Him and his followers the Triumphant Entry. And it is only John who records - those tree bows of Ps 118 they were waving were from near by Palm Trees. Only other place in NT that palms are mentioned is here, in between 6th and 7th seal, the interlude. Reminder that things are not what they seem. So much suffering, but also it seems like Jesus comping in for war, victorious general - people rallying. Read this book of Revelation might get that impression too - world’s gong to get real bad, and it will, but then Lamb appears with his people - and the beast with his, and Armageddon is going to be they fight it out - but actually like my boyhood experience of a Rumble. Not a fist thrown. God’s people never take up physical arms or violence, conquer by witness. And the Lamb will slay, but not by physically weapons but on the last day by the word of his mouth on His Return. So Palm Sunday isn’t what you’d expect - conquer through being a lamb in suffering - bring resurrection. And the book of Revelation is not what you’d come to expect - in the midst of suffering and judgment God wants to give you and his church in John’s Day, and the Church that will also live through the last great Day of Judgment - the big picture road map!

Key Truth: Those sealed, having washed their robes, will be shepherded through tribulation to life with God!

That is really the question: once those 4 horsemen of God’s wrath are sent out into the whole world, with the saints praying how long must God’s people suffer in this world’s tribulation. And the world in its suffering are running from living God. 6th seal like A& E - hide us,. Do you remember the question that these seals end with? They are asking: Rev 6:17

Revelation 6:17 ESV

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

And the great message of the book of revelation, in between the 6 and 7 judgments - both in 7 seals, and then again in the seven trumpets - great pause in which we are to learn what Jesus does for His people in tribulation.

A. Jesus Holds Back the Storm of Judgment

After God reveals the storm of judgment descending on this world, he says now look here. You are overwhelmed by relentless judgment coming and its description. But now look at something else happening at the very same time.

In Zechariah 6 those four horsemen of the apocalypse are called Spirits, same word for wind. Evil that will implode Rome and the Satanic system of the world, which is Babylon. But God is ultimately in control of it. Even like this pandemic.

And like in Jesus parable in Matthew 7 - these storms of tribulation are going to reveal - what you are made of, what you’ve built your life upon. Winds rise, rains fall - built on sand be washed away. But look now Jesus on the wind and waves, remember his miracle - he stills the wind. There are the horse horsemen at four corners of the earth - Like Jesus says: STOP, BE STILL for my people. And they all freeze right in mid-motion. Like Frodo putting on the ring.

And then look what John sees next? Rev 7:2

Revelation 7:2 ESV

Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea,

Do you know what Jesus is called in Malachi 3:1 Angel of the covenant will come to His temple. Name of Messiah, messenger of covenant. Often angelic beings, but sometimes speak of messenger Messiah. And in Balaam’s prophesy said to be a star rising from the east. Word for resurrection. And this messenger of the covenant, Jesu s, risen with healing in His wings: He comes now spiritually to his suffering, people - and the whole world is asking like in Malachi 3:2

Malachi 3:2 ESV

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.

And the powers of evil stop in their track, Horsemen, you will continue to mete out my judgments on evil , built in effects, but not until I do something first for my people. Now what is it that this is revealing about Jesus in heaven now? What prophesy should be so precious to those who live in very last day, but also now to you and me as we face our own tribulation, suffering, persecution and in John’s day?

This tribulation, maybe most intense a great one, but certainly started already in John’s day: All Christian must be prepared to endure affliction/tribulation. This is important to recognize so far nothing in book indicates church is out of struggles of this world. Struggle continues until Christ returns to defeats Satan. Why Christ had promised this to Philadelphia in a trial on the whole world? Rev 3:10

Revelation 3:10 ESV

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Remember how Jesus answered those saints saying how long in Rev 6:11b. All of God’s people the church are being completed, their works have to be found complete -

Revelation 6:11 ESV

Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

And now Jesus gives John an OT symbols and allusions to describe what will happen in our day and on the last Day, before the time is up. This is a vision of the sealing of God’s complete people - with a mark a name on the foreheads.

Now you hear the words, mark on forehead and book of Revelation - and you think what? Rev 13, 666 mark of the Beast. Number of incompleteness, imitation and Satan. But this isn’t a book about all those who don’t follow Christ on earth. Revelation says all who fare deceeived and not saved bear this mark. But this is a book about Christ - and three times its mentioned that - not just Jews in the last day - but all God’s servants will be marked by God on the forehead - have the name of God and the Lamb. What the recipient so this book are called servants of our God - what all of them have Jew and Gentile believers the mark of God.

Followers of the Lamb we read in Rev 14:1

Revelation 14:1 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.

Well, Jesus is using the image of Ezekiel 9 and 10. In Ezekiel 10, God describes how his judgment in the form of Babylon taking rebels who have rejected him and lived in idolatry - taking them in to exile. God’s glory up and leaves the temple. But Ezekiel 9 God says before I do these judgments - Ezekiel - I am hitting the pause button, slow motion sending this angel - give those who follow me, stay true during hard tim of apostasy and exile - I am sending my angel to mark them on their foreheads - wit the mark of the Tau in Greek mark of chi - cross, in English. So now in the days of the Roman Empire in which John was writing, where servants often branded with a mark on the forehead, God says I’m putting my mark, my seal on my servants!

They still have to go through the trial but they won’t suffer the wrath of God in it. And this is what Jesus is saying, His people in this time will have. Like the OT people of Israel in Egypt, plagues judgment to fall, but those put mark of blood of Lamb - spared the wrath! This idea of marking on the forehead in the covenant of God’s people, told figuratively put TORAH, GOd’s WORD HIS LAW - on their foreheads - bear the charter of God. Like high priest of the OT - turban inscribed by forehead - Holiness unto the Lord. God’s name his character now on all his servant people, kingdom of priests!

You see in the OT, a person’s forehead represents ones’s inner posture of relationship, especially with God. ie. Torah bind i upon your foreheads… Disobedient = Is 48:4 brass forehead, wooden head, wooden shoes… a harlot’s forehead, King Uziah sinned and usurped role of the priests, he was struck with a leprous forehead 2 Chr 26:16-21. You need to get this that those who are servants of God received the mark, not just to visibly set them apart as a particular group, but it is having one’s id restored tot he image of God, Paul conformed to image of Christ, Q Cor 15:49, 2 Cor 3:17-18, Eph 4”13,15,24

Romans 8:29

Romans 8:29 ESV

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

So Jesus seals His people to survive all the tribulations of this age. But how does a seal do that?

B. The seal is not just mark of authenticity & ownership, but is God’s pledge

God’s saying I own you as mine, and I certify in my promise to you this inheritance. Have you ever thought of what your sealing a child of darkness owned by the step--father mean master and Lord of this world Satan, transferred and adopted and transformed into a child of the One Who is Pure Light. Ever thought what this seal means? Ephesians 1:13-14

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.

To have the name of our God and of the Lamb sealed on your forehead - is to have the character and destiny of God and his glory guaranteed to you in Christ. Yes, you have to go through tribulation and suffering to get there - but like looking up from your little phone GPS, all turn and trials - big picture - and destiny. You get this pledge from God, then you can say it and feel it, I am bullet proof!

Now who can say that this morning? Well, John doesn’t get to see them yet, he only hears what? The number of the sealed! The actual identity of the people nor the suffering is the point here. Look at what is emphasized here not the identity but the number of these people of God on earth: Rev 7:4

Revelation 7:4 ESV

And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

Lets look at that number first. What does it mean. Can’t just ignore other times its used in Rev.. This exact number is used again to describe all the people of God with no indication is time that they are only ethnic Jews. Rev 14:1 In fact 12 plus 12 is number of elders OT and NT of the vision of the throne in Rev 4. And then Rev 14:1 12 x 12, army like Numbers 2, but also washed clothes, and also hubands wives , no sex, - like army in Numbers taking Land… Like people at Mt Sinai prepairng for God to meet with them What do these 144,000 represent? They are it says in 14:4 those who have been redeemed from the earth. Rev 14 says, using Jesus words at the end of the gospel, church busy bring gospel to ends of earth - to 4 corners. The gospel goes to the four corners of the earth to every nation, tribe, language and people - who are they? Look Rev 14:4

Revelation 14:4 ESV

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 why 144,000. You don’t have to figure this mathematically - like the lists of the tribes of Israel in the OT. The angel isn’t counting- actual numbers like in the OT census where those lists vary from tribe to tribe. Literally count up the people. But this is a list unlike any of the tribes of national Isreal in the OT. All are 12,000 - number of completeness number of God three and of the whole earth 4. 12 is the whole family together. But did you notice anything strange about the list of tribes. In the OT at least 18x such lists, begin with the oldest - Reuben and end with Benjamin the youngest - emphasis compete.

But this begins with Judah… Why? Because a king would come out Numb 27 and Genesis 48. Now the King raised up and installed on his throne. He leads God’s people. So interesting, 2 of those 18 lists in the book of Numbers describe - Israel numbered as an army on the March to settle int the promised land. And guess what - Judah heads the list. This is a picture of God’s people sealed and marked with the Passover Lamb’s blood - through the Red Sea, through hardship of Desert time, battle for Promised Land - and there is the prince of Judah leading them.

But interesting also that one tribe is missing, actually all but two were scattered among the nations. But Dan is not mentioned, where idolatry started in Judges, where idol set up in Bethel in south and Dan in the North. Where Jews and Jer said antichrist would come out of .

But who else is included that isn’t normally - Levi. Why is Levi who didn’t have inheritance, set aside as one belonging to Lord, bye His priests and teachers. So put this together. The Lion of Judah who became the Lamb of God - he has not only won salvation in the Cross with his suffering, He has risen - and he is leading believing Israel with all the Gentiles who joined them now, in what He calls His church, the New Israel, rebuilt tabernacle, . Rom 4 Gal 3 true Israel as church, Gal 6:16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. the true circumcision…all of God’s people the complete number 12 x12 - like the 24 elders 12 for OT tribes, and 12 for Apostles representing the NT church. Just like the gates and the foundation The city of the new Jersualem at the end of the book which is at the same time the People of God, Zion that number comes up again there. Rev 21:16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.

12 x 12 , x 10 cubed number of perfection - number of multitudes. thousands upon thousands. This is the new community the total church. JWs wrong order 144000 in heaven recruited between 19th century and 1935 .. or one last Jewish evangelism push make up literal number before final end of age.. Jesus message is simple - all those who have been sealed will makes it, not one will be snatched from Jesus hand in this time. No matter what you’re facing. And that brings us to the third great lesson that those who make it through tribulation offer us this Palm Sunday.

C. Those sealed will Serve in Heaven, Sheltered in the Very Presence of God!

Now Jesus, for your assurance and mine, shows us what happens to those on earth who persevere and overcome his way, not with oozies and hand-grenades against the forces of evil, but suffering love, faithful witness, enduring patiently persecution. This time he doesn’t hear, but now he sees. Rev 7:9

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,

Some see these as two different groups. But John isn’t recording what happens in chronological order here. No, after Jesus gives him this vision of the saints on earth - the church militant in the battle and tribulation, then Jesus says, now look back up here in heaven and see these people from another perspective. Exactly like at the throne with the scroll, first heard Jesus the Lion and his roar, and then he turns to look at what he heard and he see Jesus as the Lamb having been slain. So too, here. John hears the number on earth, and then after he sees God’s people, God’s group of servants, but now as they are in heaven. And dear people - who must sufferer, and must witness, and must overcome in this world of temptation, and curse, and war and Covid, and death and brokenness, you need this vision of both Christ and of our final destination, looking up at the big road map. Just as much as Jesus needed in his human nature and those disciples with him the vision of the Mount of Transfiguration, before gong to them ministry of valley and then Jerusalem. As surely as Jesus and his disciples ended the symbols and vision of Palm Sunday. So too, Jesus says you my Church in John day and our day an the last day, need this vision that is more expansive than the plagues coming from the four horsemen from the four corners of the earth. Lift your eyes from the GPS picture of all this trial and suffering see where this is going for you.

There is a myriad not just of angels but God’s people, who have endured through the suffering and made it. And there each one is before the throne and before the Lamb. But look at them now - white robes purified and look: What they are waving as they no longer sing: the Palm Sunday hymn from Psalm 118:25 . Remember they were calling out Jesus - Messiah: ​Psalm 118:25 Save us, we pray, O Lord! Now they are crying, with these palms: v.10 Salvation belongs to the LORD. Not just my perosnal salvation, but whole universe - Christ’s enemies and all evil will be defeated - Christ’ plan wins! Salvation is realized. It wasn’t something we could accomplish, or earn, but God gives it as a gift in the Lion who is the Lamb. And now we see not just people but ht angels and the whole creation represented by four living creatures, - next song of revelation. Amen, Amen - and each of those words -Rev 7:12 The blessing, the glory, the wisdom the honour, the power… And what is the centre one THE THANKSGIVING… KEY to our worship - who is happiest - he who is most thankful.. iii. Worship - singing … Blessing, glory, wisdom ; center thanksgiving William Law. What is the last part of our praise - AND MIGHT God will turn every trial into blessing and safely bring us home!

My prof from North Carolina, childhood memory - grave in old cemetery which grandparents and parents buried. Used to go there. and noticed a little girls grave, because it had a playhouse built over it. Why? Sad story of Daddy build me a play house. But lawyer and legal duties of state. At age 6 or 7 suddenly died. Devastating grief … too late Had playhouse built. Sad story of not having the power, might to carry out our good resolves! But God is different - world cursed and under wrath - yet , He will turn every trial to our good, and He in His tine carry out everything He’s resolved. And when his children leave this world, no regrets! And the saints from heavens perspective realize this - and gives us this praise to give us confidence!

D. And that brings us to the conclusion of this vision of these two vision of the interlude before the seventh seal. After the hymns of Revelation comes the heavenly explanation of what’s going on and what’s the significance. And so often in the prophesy the meaning is given by a question. How long? Who can stand? And now one of the elders as John has become a participant - He’s asked: Who are these?

D. The Question: Will you be part of this Greater Palm Sunday?

And look at the heavenly explanation: Rev 7:14a

Revelation 7:14 ESV

I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Important to note that John is told with the present tense - these are God’s people coming out and continuing to come out of tribulation that’s already started. But the suspense and comfort is really in the 14b last part of that explanation of who they are. This isn’t present tense, but once-for all tense. Who can stand, who will make it through, - who really can wave Palm Branches?

Can you know if you will make up that number? Once for all - when trusted in the Lamb - washed their robes. Like parable in Zechariah - priest with dirty clothes, all stains, feels can’t stand before God - like Isaiah - Corinthians - once were this and that - but now you are washed - made white in the blood of the Lamb. And yes head down see blemishes, and see the suffering, and yes, though not wrath and punishment for us, we have trials - but look up and get this vision not only of our destiny, but the apocalypse, this revelation of our Palm Sunday King! This is the argument of the passage, yes, trial tribulation, but this pause for those who walk with and trust and then follow the Lamb wherever he goes. Rev 7:15

Revelation 7:15 ESV

“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

THEREFORE … don’t need Levites, don’t need literal priestly garments, but you and I will serve Him - and look He will shelter us - word for tent, tabernacle - His presence. And now like the Prophesy of Israel back from exile, God’s people out of tribulation Rev 7:16 T

Revelation 7:16 ESV

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.

Do you see it Jesus hunger and thirst for my righteousness, and you will be satisfied. Do you see who Jesus will be to us in heaven and the new heavens and the new earth? Rev 7:17

Revelation 7:17 ESV

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

This is I think is the next great revelation of who Jesus is from heaven, must see He is the Lion of Judah reign with iron rod - commands the nations and four winds and horse men - but He is also the Lamb who having been slain conquer by Word of His Mouth gospel of true peace. But look now who is Jesus in heaven now and to us in our certain future: Prophesy of Ez 34 - all priests and prophet and kings and pastors - corrupted can’t lead his people to stream of living water - can’t reverse all the tears of sorrow - nothing on earth can. Jeremiah said - tepid cess pools cisterns; Ezekiel say all wordly shepherd just looking after themselves and oppressing. But Ezekiel 34 I myself from Heaven come down and shepherd my people, and having laid down His life he comes with abundant life! Middle East - there’s dead water, sitting, and then there is living water - wadi and streams Here is Jesus in eternity but already now - won’t leave my people guide and shepherd them. And look at his manner. Think of a son or daughter with aged parent at hospital bed, not strength to wipe tearing up eyes, and that one comes sitting beside, takes hand with Kleenex… Jesus I make all that is evil and wrong and broken come untrue, reverse it all, wipe every tear. This is the surprise of what’s happening in Palm Sunday and in this vision between the seals.