The 144,000 Parthenoi

"And I looked, and behold, 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.  And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.

"And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

"These are the ones who have not been defiled with women for they have kept themselves chaste.  There are 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." Revelation 13:1-5

Here is a passage that has been seen in so many ways.  So let's look a bit closer.  First, there were 144,000 from Israel mentioned in 7:2-4 and 9:4 (for those of you who remember to read these devotions with your Bible nearby and who keep Acts 17:11 in mind). 

This is poetic and symbolic writing with John trying to use words to describe an emotional vision that is to be relevant even today.  Who could these "undefiled" ones be? 

The key is the word used for these 144,000 and what the passage itself says about them.  The word "parthenoi" actually means virgins.  It is a word used for those outside marriage, including those where the spouse is dead, so it is not about abstinence from sex for life (God held marriage sacred and the marriage bed undefiled).  It is rather, about purity of walk and attitude of heart. 

These 144,000 are faithful examples/ representative of disciples who endeavour to put Christ first in their lives.  God's purpose for our lives is for each of us to grow more into the image of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  This is a moment-by-moment abandoning our own efforts and surrendering to our Heavenly Father in obedience and love. 

PRAYER UPDATES NEEDED, PLEASE.

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

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Japan and Equador - Earthquakes have shaken both these countries in the last few days, please pray for rescue workers and those still trapped or lost.
• ·        Adrian - last text message:  "uncomfortable couple of days, in bed, no good news, shoulder giving me trouble, otherwise just managing, I think." (Please do not forget to pray for his little companion dog, Toby, to remain healthy.  Without him I think Adrian would give up).
• ·        Sergio - waits for news about a new job.  His ankle is healing, but slowly.  Pray for his patience during this time and that the opportunity he was recently looking into might eventuate.  He is in Mexico City and work there, for graphic designers is rare. 
• ·        Paul - Part three of his interviews completed another meeting Thursday.  I am growing increasingly concerned for him.  Pray he does not lose heart and continues to search.  He has not had work since 2012!!

NEW PRAYER REQUEST

• ·        Sandy needs prayer.  They are trying to diagnose what is happening in her body.  They are suspecting Crohn's Disease.
• ·        David R asks us to pray for Mr. Hale, an 85-year-old who needs help understanding the benefits he has from the Veterans Administration
• ·        Deepak - has worked tirelessly for years to develop his business and now just needs people to pay what they owe him for his work.    
• ·        LS - A potential change is causing her stress and she is battling a chronic, auto-immune disease.  Please pray for her.
• ·        FW - needs strength and resolve to keep focused and safe.  Please pray for his parents Dave and Alice who will be moving to assisted living that they will be alright with the change.
• ·        Pray I have the energy and focus to complete the updating of a new Kindle:  Where is Christ in America? -- a special series written in 2003 for such a time as this. 

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Me - The Lord went before me to the two meetings and they went very well.  One of the people who I met with last week also called and is pressing her client to get me on board (her client has not gotten back with her yet).  Thank you for praying.  Please pray for the individual who has encouraged me so much recently and most of all that the Lord's will is evident in whatever may occur. 
• ·        Isaias and Judith - in the Philippines. Pray blessings on Isaias and Judith and thank the Lord for the generous people at Black Rock Congregational Church in Fairfield, Connecticut.  They just sponsored a month-long trip for them to raise funds.  It was an amazing trip for them.  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".
• ·        Toron - (18-year-old) seems to be strengthening, yet still needs encouragement, care and direction. 
• ·        Brody - No Update on Brody but it will be a long healing process. Pray the Lord is with him every new step he takes.  Please continue to pray for him, his physicians and carers; and for Trish, his wife-to-be, as they plan their wedding.  Let this strengthen their commitment to Christ and to each other.
• ·        Heidi - seems to be enjoying her new job.  Please continue to pray she will take things slowly and enjoy this new opportunity.
• ·        BG - Is relieved there is a diagnosis of his massive headaches and has started his treatments and is feeling much better. 
• ·        Raven - no signs of new cancer. 

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.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        David R - got through his full day of tests and ended up exhausted but alright.  No results yet.  Keep praying.
• ·        Matt - No Update on Heidi's 33-year-old brother who has been in and out of Intensive Care and is hoping to be released to go home but will remain on a feeding tube.
• ·        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. 
• ·        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

• ·        Fin - is settling into his new dwellings and needs continued prayer for his injured ankle.  A friend has welcomed him into their home.  Please pray for them both.
• ·        For Fred - Please pray for recognition of how his life will be fulfilled since his wife passed.
• ·        Fion - please pray for his Mother.  He has returned to work and was given additional duties that are far too much for anyone.  Pray for wisdom for the organisation and/or courage for Fion.
• ·        Shan needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry and he and Gemma need special prayer as they plan their wedding.
• ·        Hans is waiting for a place in a new training clinic (which may take up to 6 months).  Pray he finds Christian companions and leaders wherever he is.
• ·        No Update for the two unsaved women in Jo's Bible class:  Angie and Liz.
• ·        Wezley - No update for this 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. 
• ·        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.

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 is 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

• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, DB, 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.