Again, who are the 144,000? Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. – Matthew 25:1-4

“Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth.” – Joel 1:8. “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” – 2 Cor 11:2. There is an overall theme within the Bible as we begin looking at the word’s of Jesus Christ and as we consider the word abstinence. We are told by the LORD, “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:38. Below is the verse in the KJV Bible with the original Greek highlighted and expanded upon.

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As we look further at the meanings, we begin to see that He is speaking about self denial and being in the same way with the Lord. As well as accompanying Jesus as His disciple. Follow along through a journey of Revelation 14, and additional supporting Scriptures that we can cross reference to help us in our understanding. As you watch ask yourself one more time, who are the 144,000 in Revelation?

I will be leaving you today with only one thing to further ponder. Are you, as a bride adorned to her Husband, prepared for the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? May you be blessed in your understanding, and may your eyes and ears be continually opened up to receive the Living Word of Truth.

Jonathan Heller – Lift Up A Banner