Psalm: 119:97-120

Meditation

Revelation: Let’s explore these 144,000. These are first mentioned in Chapter 7 as John lists the tribes of Israel – each consisting of 12,000 souls. While we all believe there were 12 tribes – actually, it turns out, there were 13 – not unlike the Apostles + Jesus. Levi was to have the Lord as his inheritance; all the others were allotted territory, and sacred that was. You will notice Levi is included in this list, but the tribe of Dan is omitted. I don’t know why. Ruben the first born was displaced by Joseph and his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh. The upshot is, I think, the 144,000 is symbolic of those who commit themselves to Christ. 

Gospel: 

Matthew 2:13-18

New Testament:

Revelation 14:1-5

Old Testament:

Jeremiah 31:15-17