RESOLVE TO BE ONE OF THE "SHEEPLE" FOLLOWING THE LAMB OF GOD.

November 13, 2014

RESOLVE TO BE ONE OF THE "SHEEPLE" FOLLOWING THE LAMB OF GOD.

Revelation 14:1–5

Aaron Graft

Central Truth

True followers of Jesus Christ will follow Him wherever He goes.

It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. (Revelation 14:4b)

The Lamb and the 144,000

1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, 5 and in their mouth no lie was found, for they are blameless.

Many books have been written and studies done about behavioral characteristics of large groups. It is referred to as "mob mentality," "herd behavior," or "crowd hysteria." This social dynamic often leads to irrational behavior -- market crashes, lynch mobs, victory celebrations that turn violent and men wearing skinny jeans (will someone please bring back the tight-roll?). The primary cause of group behavior is that people and animals tend to imitate what those around them are doing. Sheep are legendary for this. I have heard the term "sheeple" used as a term of derision for people who make poor choices while following the crowd.

Jesus Christ is portrayed both as the Lamb of God and as the Great Shepherd. The first metaphor explains His role as the sacrifice for our sins (John 1:29). The second explains his role as the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 13:20-21). In either case, the premise of all the Bible is to follow Him. Follow Him when it is easy; follow Him when it is hard. Follow Him when it makes sense; follow Him when it runs contrary to every bit of human logic that exists in our finite brains.

As with much of Revelation, there is ample theology in this passage. Jesus appears with the 144,000 who are sealed by God, representing the completeness of His saving work. The application for us today is to aspire to the spiritual purity of this group who followed Jesus at all costs.

A wise person said that the theology of Revelation is simple:

1. God wins.
2. You have to pick a side.
3. Don't be stupid.

In other words, be one of the "sheeple." Run with the crowd that follows the Lamb wherever He goes. The Church has been called to something far different (and possibly more dangerous) than what the world thinks. At best, the world reduces the Christian faith to devotion to a cause or creed. Causes such as eradicating poverty and ending slavery are wonderful things, but never forget that our primary call is to follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

1. Are there areas in your life in which "common sense" has left you deaf to the calling of Jesus Christ to follow Him?

2. We know that following Jesus (the Lamb) requires intimacy with Him. What are the barriers to your intimacy with Jesus Christ? A secret sin struggle? Lack of time in prayer? Overextended schedule? Ask yourself this -- if the Bible is true and eternity really is a long time, how can I go one more day and allow [insert specific issue here] to be a barrier to intimacy with my Lord and Savior? And what am I going to do about it?