What is Heaven Up To (Revelation 7)

Pastor Bob and Janet
Nov 26, 2017
3 min read

Merriam-Webster defines the word drama as "a work of literature intended to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue." In other words, drama is a visual performance of words. Revelation 7 uses drama to paint a vivid word picture of the conflicting action in heaven during the tribulation. The characters portray an array of emotions through dialogue. The book of Revelation uses Apocalyptic language to confuse the oppressive government and to encourage God's people in the midst of tribulation.

I. The Drama Explained (vv. 1-3)

Revelation's drama opens in verse one on the heavenly stage with four angels holding back earth's imminent destruction from the four corners of creation. The drama builds as the earth is about to be destroyed. All of a sudden, a fifth angel appears from the east carrying the seal of God. He tells the four not to harm the earth until the servants of God have been sealed. The seal of God will be protection for the people of God during the Great Tribulation. God's people will be sealed as they share the Good News of salvation during this time. Today, there are 280 million people who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is God's desire that all be saved, but unless this great number is given a chance to respond to the Gospel, they will miss heaven. The time is short. It is up to believers to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. In the light of what is inevitable, how serious are we as believers about doing God's business of sharing the Gospel? We enthusiastically share our views about the NFL protests, fake news, politics, and a myriad of trivial subjects, so why are we so reluctant to share about the saving faith of Jesus Christ?

II. The Drama Executed (vv. 4-10)

The sealed were made of two groups, the people of Israel and a great multitude of Gentiles. Being sealed by God is a guarantee that no harm will come to you because God knows his children better than anyone else. Isaiah 49 tells of God's unconditional and never ending love for his children. He goes so far as to have your name engraved in the palm of his hand. He promises not to forget you because he puts you always before him. What a picture of hope and comfort! The sealed, too many to count, are wearing white robes with palm branches in their hands, and are standing before the throne of God. They represent every nation, tribe, people, and language. These people from every nation were crying out in unison, singing praises to the Lamb. What a beautiful sight and sound! If you have ever worshiped with believers from a different language, you have had a glimpse of what this will be like. I can personally attest to the fact that worshiping with believers from other nations is a goose-bump experience. I look forward to heaven so much!

III. The Devotees are Blessed (vv. 11-17)

Who are the sealed? They are people who have gone through a literal hell on earth, but they came out of the tribulation saved and sealed. They are so grateful that God has saved them, and that is why they are praising the one who was slain. Because of their faith in God, the angel tells them that they will never hunger or thirst, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What comfort we as believers can take from this drama! All our earthly troubles will be wiped away, and we will rest in the shelter of the throne of God. I trust that you know Jesus personally, and you are comforted by the word picture of this drama- a picture worth more than a billion words. Amen.