This is our dear, dear friends, Matt and Carrie Petersen. Two of the nicest people you could ever meet. Not pictured is their sweet daughter Ellie. Matt is a colleague of mine from work. The first time they invited us to dinner we had a wonderful dinner and amazing conversation. As I made myself at home and peeked my head into one of their rooms, I discovered a purple room with classic rock posters, multiple electric guitars, a full drum set, microphones and sound system. I inquired and found out that they play rock music together in the evenings as a way to unwind and bond with each other. Leigh and I thought everyone watched Netflix to unwind and bond with each other. They are both introverts and were very hesitant but we begged and begged and begged. Finally they agreed to play us a song. Well, they rocked our world. Matt played a mean electric guitar while breaking into multiple rifts and Carrie played drums and sang like rock star. It was the most amazing surprise. I told them immediately of my plans to book them all over the city…..but once again, they are introverts and this is their special time together. They kindly denied my offer to be their manager.

Revelation 14

Let’s move on!

Ok, we got through chapters 12 & 13. These were scenes from Satan’s perspective and his work during the tribulation. Satan thrown down from heaven, the dragon, the beast, the anti-christ, the second beast, 666, blah, blah, blah. It wasn’t easy, but we did it. I don’t mean to be disrespectful toward scripture. You know my love and passion for scripture is what drives me.  But these were tough, dark chapters. But I know they are critical to God’s plan and important for us to understand.

God’s Army

Now, let’s back to the scenes that unfold what God is doing during the tribulation. Yeah God!!! Revelation 14:1 says “the lamb was standing on Mount Zion and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand having His name and the name of His father written on their foreheads.”  These are the 144,000 Jews from every tribe mentioned in chapter 7. They have been described as 144,000 apostle Paul’s with incredible perseverance, purity and devotion to spread the “eternal gospel to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people,” v6. Like Paul, they will be faithful witnesses in the face of intense persecution. Also described as “the ones who follow the lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the lamb. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.” Yes, the tribulation is a dark time. The true believers at the time of the rapture will be snatched up to be with God and then the tribulation begins. It would seem the world is without witnesses to represent Christ. But God always maintains a remnant of faithful followers in all generations. In this case, He opens the eyes of 144,000 Jews to be persevering witnesses of God in a dark world filled with God-hating people. Verse 12 describes them, “here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”

Lord, I’m not in the tribulation but these are dark times too in many ways. Strengthen me to be a witness for you in my actions and my words. I am a part of your faithful remnant of followers in this world today. May I be faithful to live a life worthy of you name! Amen!