THE 144,000 A nation – any worldly nation – is not the heart of Revelation, but the Lamb. A blessed condition for the saints in this world is certainly not the emphasis, but the Lamb. That means salvation which is the sole reason for the existence of the Lamb is everything. It is no more secondary than the Lamb, but lies at the very heart of all Divine involvements with humanity. -- Tomorrow:
Devotion 3 of 26
Salvation refers to the whole work initiated, and to be completed, by "the Lamb." Experientially, it begins with remission. However, it consummates in glory. The whole of that process is called "salvation," and it is "ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet 1:5). Salvation is not completed until those who are "justified" are "glorified" (Rom 8:29). The sons – all of them – are being brought "to glory" by the Lamb (Heb 2:10). Until that mission is accomplished, no mortal can assume safety, or conclude they are out of danger. Such notions are imaginations, and foolish ones at that. Safety does, indeed, exist in Christ. However, it cannot be assumed. Saints are admonished, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall" (2 Pet 1:10).
JESUS HAS REVEALED THE WARFARE
Jesus has shown John the intensity with which Satan seeks to thwart the salvation of the church (Rev 12:1-10). He cares nothing for the blind and misguided souls of the world, who are already within his grasp. He works in them at will (2 Tim 2:26), so has no special initiative to delude them. But the saints are another matter. They have been given wings to escape his ferocity, and wing their way to a place of nourishment. With an aggression that dwarfs any effort of humanity, Satan seeks to lure them from their place of feeding. His attacks are not only ruthless, but shrewd, cunning, and relentless.
THE STANDING LAMB
John looks, peering, as it were, into the ages to come. He sees the Lamb "standing on Mount Zion." Normally, we think of Jesus as sitting. He has, after all, been made to "sit" on the right hand of God (Heb 1:3,13; 10:12). The seated position denotes one of rule and reign i.e., seated upon the throne (5:7).
Lest we be tempted to think inactivity is associated with His redemptive reign, the Lamb is now seen standing. Our briefing on the present reign of Jesus was introduced in the fifth chapter. "In the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" (5.6). Our Savior is presiding over the Kingdom, ruling "in the midst" of His "enemies" until they are "made His footstool" (Psa 110:1-2; Heb 10:13).
Mind you, John has just beheld two beasts. Both of them were animated by Satan himself, and attacked the saints relentlessly. But John does not allow his vision to remain upon the beasts. He looks toward Mount Zion, the redemptive mountain. How will the battle conclude? What will be the outcome of the initiative of these beasts against the saints? Remember, no matter what the circumstance, or how grievous the plight, LOOK TO JESUS! That is the secret to overcoming. As it is written, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Heb 12:1-2).
John is not disappointed when he looks. "And lo, a Lamb stood on Mount Zion." Satan's initiative had not changed anything in the heavenly places! The only realm in which he can bring results of any kind is "the earth." The NIV reads, "there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion." This was more Jesus showing Himself to John than John's vision penetrating the heavenly realms. The Lord Jesus is confirming to John that all is well, and will end well, for those who "keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus."
In Scripture, beholding Jesus is equated with saving faith. It describes the experience of being dominated by the insightful consideration of the Son of God. Looking to Jesus does not speak of a casual glance, or an afterthought. Rather, it speaks of focus and profound contemplation. After all, the knowledge or comprehension of the glory of God is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). Too, it is in that vision that we are transformed into Christ's likeness, from one stage of glory to another (2 Cor 3:18).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the transforming effects of beholding His face.