Take a moment to read the entire chapter of Revelation 7 before reading the devotional below.
Christians can get caught up in false teachings because we are often eager to find “secret” answers. It’s hard to sit in the gray of, “I don’t know.” So we’re definitely not going to be doing any calculations about 12 tribes and 144,000 people and speculate about who that is. I have not seen a lot of good, spiritual fruit come when people get obsessed with numbers in the Bible.
Given the genre of the book of Revelation, this chapter likely offers mostly symbolism about the church. Let’s focus on what this chapter tells us about who God’s people are. First, verse 9 gives us another picture of the diversity of heaven as God’s people are described as a vast crowd from every tribe and nation. Second, this diverse church is waving palm branches and worshiping God and the Lamb simultaneously. This image reminds me of the story in John 12:12-14 in which Jesus’ followers waved palm branches as he rode triumphantly in on a donkey. God’s people are his worshipers. Finally, we see that Christians who died in “the great tribulation” — either a distinct time period or a summary of all those martyred during this entire post-Jesus time while we await his return — serve in the throne room of God for all eternity.
Those who serve Jesus and give everything for him will receive great honor and reward in heaven. God will give them shelter, satisfy all their needs, and wipe every tear from their eyes. Any earthly comfort or need you think you have is absolutely worth sacrificing to serve God. We have to value suffering for its eternal significance, rather than trying to eliminate it in our lives. What voluntary suffering could you offer to bless your neighbor or advance the Gospel?