Revelation 14:1-5 The 144,000 on Mount Zion

The Lamb has now come to earth from the throne of God, and stands on Mount Zion. In direct contrast to the mark of the wildbeast, the 144,000 standing with Him have the name of the Lamb's Father written on their foreheads. How they have survived on the earth despite the false prophet's efforts to kill all who reject the mark of the wildbeast is supernatural protection, as they were sealed by the angel. (Rev. 7:3) The sound from heaven is a voice compared to thunder, a harp, and many waters. This accompanies the new song that the 144,000 sing. What is this song? It is not any of the songs recorded previously. Only the 144,000 can learn this song. The uniqueness of the 144,000 is elaborated. They are chaste. They do not lie. They are blameless. The Lamb has purchased them with His blood and they follow Him wherever He leads.

          There have been numerous believers throughout church history who have followed Christ  wherever He led them. But in the end times there will be 144,000 of them, not just a few individuals. Why are they considered first fruits to God and to the Lamb? Exodus 23:16 and Leviticus 23:9-14 both spell out the Mosaic description of the festival of first fruits ordained by God.  It is presumably prophetic that the Israelites were told they should not eat the new growth until the day when they make the prescribed first fruits offering. This was to be performed when they entered the Promised Land and reaped the first harvest. And so the 144,000 are the initial harvest of that new land, the millennial kingdom of Christ. While the rest of the world is attempting to create heaven on earth with the ways of man (which is doomed to failure), God is establishing the beginnings of His kingdom on the earth with His ways. These are those who have been purchased with the Lamb's blood, and are blameless and pure. In our age, it seems inconceivable that there could be 144,000 who are chaste. But God's grace is sufficient that it is not only possible, but actually comes to pass. They are blameless because they are washed in Jesus' blood. But their lives are pure because He has empowered them. This is the beginning of the new millennium.