Aug. 18, 2024

Chapter seven of Revelation is an interlude between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals.  The purpose for delaying the opening of the seventh seal is stated by one of the elders:  "until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God."  144,000 are sealed, 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel.  Many believe that this represents the church before the Great Tribulation. They are sealed against the consequences of the period of tribulation that is yet to come.  John has a second vision in chapter 7--this of a great multitude standing before the throne of God in heaven.  This would be the church now glorified in heaven, portrayed as serving God and worshiping  the Lamb. "The Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."