Apr 28, 2018
The tribulation is going to be a very difficult time. And John is being given an up-close and personal look into just how difficult it is going to be. But in Revelation 7:9-17, John is provided with a glimpse into a heavenly reality that is meant to bring him hope. In the first eight verses of this chapter, he was shown the 144,000 Jewish converts to Christianity who are back on the earth. They represent a remnant from every tribe of Israel, who have been graciously and miraculously called by God and made followers of Jesus Christ. Their witness on behalf of Christ will have a major impact on the unbelieving world, resulting in many coming to faith. And John is shown some of these very same individuals standing in the throne room in heaven, as they sing praises to God for His salvation. They are clothed in white robes and waving palm branches. They are expressing their gratitude to God for their presence in His Kingdom and their deliverance from the persecution of the Antichrist. Each of them is a martyr, who has died for their faith at the hands of the Antichrist. And yet, their deaths have resulted in their transfer to heaven and their presence before God. But this is where John also receives a reminder that the difficult days are not yet done. There will be more people martyred for their faith before the Son of God returns. The Antichrist will continue to perpetrate his atrocities against any and all Christians, as well as the Jewish people. But his days are numbered. And the answer to the prayers of these martyred saints, that God enact justice, is right around the corner.