This study, taught by pastor Barry Forder at our Sunday morning service on Sunday 13th March 2016 is the 10th in our verse-by-verse study through the book of Revelation.
Picture the scene: The war is almost over and all the soon-to-be victorious warriors have been air-lifted home. All that remains is for the heavy artillery to launch the final decisive blow on the enemy. However, there are a number of soldiers who had gone AWOL, disobeyed their General’s orders, and as a result had found themselves caught behind enemy lines. The enemy, through defeated, wasn’t going down without a fight and would take as many with him as possible. The experienced General however, wasn’t prepared to lose a single soldier, so an elite specially trained team was put together to go in a rescue those who, albeit through their own fault, had missed the initial evac. The heavy artillery had been instructed not to fire into the danger zone until the rescue team had each been marked with a special marking that would show up under the hi-tech night-vision scanning equipment. This would then afford them the protection they needed whilst going deep into the heart of enemy territory to rescue anyone belonging to the General who would hear the message to escape and take this ‘last ship home’.
Welcome to Revelation chapter 7! The battle is almost over, the church have been air-lifted to safety in the greatest evacuation in the history of the world. Yet there were inevitably those who chose to ignore the warning signs, who did not respond to the Gospel when they had chance, but now that the Tribulation has begun, find themselves trapped behind enemy lines. There are many others too who would respond to the Gospel at this point, if only there were a preacher. Enter the 144,000 Jewish evangelists whose role seems to be to reach out to whosoever has ears to hear in Earth’s darkest and final hour. Through their preaching, a great multitude are saved, which no man can number. This multitude will end up standing before the Throne of God, arrayed in white robes. I believe they will wear those robes as guests invited to the Marriage supper of the Lamb, as seen in Revelation 19.
This study should do two things; firstly, remind you of God’s great mercy, not willing that any should perish. Secondly, this should highlight the privilege of receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour this side of the Rapture. Those who come to Christ after, those who make up the great multitude seen in this chapter, will be saved by the blood of the Lamb, but will not have the position and blessings afforded to the Church, the Bride of Christ.
May this study encourage you and deepen your love for God and His Word!
To aid your personal study, the Powerpoint slides used in this teaching are available for download here, and a vese-by-verse text commentary of Revelation Chapter 7 is also available in the Pastor’s Blog section of this web site entitled:
Operation Rescue – go to: https://www.calvaryportsmouth.co.uk/2016/03/operation-rescue/
Every blessing,
Pastor Barry.
