144,000 Politically Incorrect

"And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel; from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand,

"from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand, from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand,

"from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed." Revelation 7:4-8

First:  The holding back of the proceedings until believers are sealed to God's protection, is another act of love.  Even though the seal does not protect against suffering, sorrows and even death, they were, as we are, saved eternally.

Second:  The number itself of 144,000 is a symbolic "number of completeness" not the total number of believers. 

Third:  Most of us don't usually pay attention to a listing of names in the Bible.  But it is fascinating when you do, because God's Word is filled with special insights in unexpected places! 

Probably the most familiar is the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew and Luke.  They are quite different but there is a good reason.  (If you do not know why, send me a note and I will share.)

The listing of the 12 tribes here is different from their birth order and the way they are typically listed in the Old Testament because it symbolises God's true followers. 

Judah is first because this is the tribe of David and Jesus.  Levi is second.  This is the tribe of the priests who had no tribal allotment but here rewarded for their faithful service. 

Dan and Ephraim are not mentioned because they were known for rebellion and idolatry.  The two tribes representing Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh - Joseph's sons) are called Joseph and Manasseh because Ephraim rebelled.  Isn't that NEAT!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Brody - In accident where his inside ankle bone was sheared off.  Had four surgeries so far.  They fear infection.  Pray for his physicians and carers and for Trish, his wife-to-be as they are planning their wedding.  Let this strengthen their commitment to Christ and to each other.
• ·        Paul - Has a final interview today for a role that will help for now.  Please pray God will allow him to secure this position.  He is losing hope  Pray for his strength and fortitude.  He has not worked since 2012.
• ·        Adrian - the colonoscopy has to be redone.  His monthly cancer treatment is today.  On 4 March his first appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon for his painful, broken shoulder.  He still needs help from the local social agency to find proper assisted living so he can rest and have his little companion dog, Toby. His patience is deteriorating.
• ·        BG has now had some required tests and awaits results and relief from his horrible headaches.  Please pray for wisdom and compassion in the health care providers and specialists.
• ·        Sergio continues to look for a new job.  He is in Mexico City and the work there, for graphic designers, is rare. 
• ·        Hans should be arriving home today to wait for a place in a new clinic (which may take up to 6 months).  Pray his healing continues and that he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        Deepak is conducting an international conference in New Zealand this week and needs our prayers for its financial success. 
• ·        The project I was working on is having budget difficulties.  Am looking for a new project.  Pray I will wait patiently and without stressing.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING?

• ·        Raven - they've found no signs of new cancer and changed her meds which are a great relief from the 2.5 years of yukky chemo.
• ·        Fion:  Parents settled now but Fion misses them.  He is working far too many hours.  Pray the organisation he works with will improve conditions for him.
• ·        Pray for Shan and Gemma as they plan the details of their wedding.  May they stay ever close to His leading.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        My brother, Tim, with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that he has patience and wisdom to help him manage his health and the limitations to his breathing. 
• ·        David R has had another stroke that has caused the complete loss of vision in his left eye. 
• ·        David's daughter Heidi is being made redundant as her Macys store is closing after being there over three years.  Pray she finds something even better.
• ·        Please pray for Rik, receiving specialist treatment for Lyme's Disease.
• ·        Adrian asks:  Pray for my friend, Chester with pancreatic cancer - for energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that continues to abuse him; and that someone will come share Christ with him soon.

ONGOING PRAYER

• ·        For Fred as he deals with life without his beloved wife.  Please pray for the recognition of how his life will be fulfilled now.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Pray for Toron, who at 18, is needing encouragement, care and direction.
• ·        Keep praying for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        There has been no update to numerous follow-ups regarding Wezley an 18-year old who lost her way.  The Lord knows where she is, just keep praying for her that she turns to Him.
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.

FOR THOSE IN FULL TIME SERVICE

• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke survivor) for help with their situation and his return to ministry.
• ·        Stu and Jo and their grown children, Laura and Jason - a family serving in full-time ministry in New Zealand.  Keep them strong, healthy and resolute. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith in the Philippines. Pray our Father continues to keep them strong and safe and that they find balance.  They give so much to so many for so little.  Take a moment to learn more about their tireless ministry:  Go to:  http://www.afciworld.org  Look for "Nations" then click "Philippines".
• ·        Please pray for my good friend, JB, that our loving Father provides him with ample opportunity to continue his ministry.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell need your prayers for their ministries in Australia.
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope need your prayers that he will always put Jesus first in all his decisions.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works will be worked out in each life for His purposes and glory in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA and religious freedom for Christians wherever they may be.
• ·        Pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia, India and Alaska who are regularly reading the WeakDay Devotion on-line.  The blog seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected and mysterious geographic locations.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

• ·        Elaine and Jim, wonderful friends of mine in Hong Kong have begun an online church with a special prayer room that is open 24/7.  There are a small army of dedicated prayer warriors waiting to pray with you.  Please pray for them and go here to learn more:  Https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Elina needs clarity of purpose for her life and relationships.
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Grateful thanks for their practical support and encouragement over many years.