Being Unpopular

“These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.” (Rev- elation 14:4-5)

Over the last few days, we have talked about the 144,000 Jewish men, Jewish evangelists preaching Jesus during the Tribulation. Revelation uses this number to distinguish between those who choose the mark of the Lord over the mark of the beast. This number is so small compared to the billions of people that will be on the earth during this time. They are choosing God and an eternity in heaven over Satan, the anti-Christ, and the demons, all of which seem by human perspective to be ruling the world at the time.

To choose God before Jesus even comes to earth and takes control, brings judgment, and restores order, is very... unpopular. Again, in a world of billions of people, only 144,000 stand out and don’t blend in. These Jewish evangelists are on fire for the things of God and stand in contrast to a world’s belief. They will preach Jesus in the seven years of the Tribulation and millions will be saved.

You and I are evangelists and we have the Good News of the Gospel that we must share. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11)

Making decisions against practices of the world can be very unpopular. But God does not call us to be popular. He calls us to be obedient. Yesterday we talked about experiencing blessing. Everyone wants to be blessed, but most do not walk the road to actually experience the blessing. Doing the popular thing will not lead to blessing. Choosing to do things God’s way may not be popular, but it will lead to blessing and prosperity far more rewarding than popularity!