Revelation 8:1-5

There are two remarkable aspects of this passage in Revelation 8 that have the potential to impact our lives in a marvelous way. First, we see the collected prayers of the saints down through the ages that result in the decisive action of the Lord in the world. And second, we see the timing of God in pouring His concentrated wrath upon the world. Both aspects are incredibly helpful for us to meditate upon.

Revelation 7:9-17

In life, we rarely see the spiritual impact of our daily obedience to God, but in Revelation 7 we are given a glimpse into the results of these 144,000 Jewish evangelists. This reminds us of the invisible impact of our service to God, it shows us that the most important thing is living for Him, and it encourages us that even when we can’t see the effects of our obedience, eternity will tell the full story. And we also have the same comforts offered to these people awaiting us when we get to heaven.

Revelation 7:1-8

We switch our focus from the judgments that come upon the earth to God’s protection of a group of 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the time of the tribulation in chapter seven. Here we see God preserving His people from the destruction that would befall the rest of the world in order for them to fulfill a specific role God has for them. This chapter encourages us to keep serving God in the midst of the darkness, and to keep doing the job God has called us to do.