Shepherds that Follow the Lamb

The apostle Paul said to the believers at Corinth, “I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2). Here, we see the familiar symbol for a church, a woman, being repeated. A church is seen as virginal if she has been faithful to the one she worships.

As the Bible tells us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Moreover, unfaithfulness comes by following “a different gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4). A church is thus “defiled” when she follows any commandment, doctrine, or religious tradition that contradicts Scripture.

In today’s verse, we see that there are women, plural, and hence, many churches. It is notable that the only other time a group of women is referred to in Revelation is when the second woman of Revelation 17 is described as “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS” (v. 5). The 144,000, as faithful “virgins,” are set in opposition to these unfaithful “harlots,” who follow corrupted doctrines.

As we see in the world today, there are many different faiths and even Christian denominations, yet according to the Bible, only one is the true church (John 10:16): “Narrow is the gate and difficult [confined] is the way which leads to life” (Matthew 7:14).

It is rather fitting that the 144,000 lead others to Christ in the last days simply by being followers of the Lamb. As Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

Lastly, “firstfruits” were, in the Jewish sacrificial system, picked first as the sampling of the harvest and brought to God as a special offering, a thanksgiving of His abundant providence and tender watch over His people (Leviticus 23:10, 17; Deuteronomy 26:1–11). As those alive on the very last day on the earth, the 144,000’s translation to heaven at the Second Coming represents a kind of “firstfruits” from the harvest of souls who are to receive eternal life.

Lamb of God, may I keep faithful to Your Word alone, that my life may be a living sacrifice to You for eternity.

For Further Study: Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 15:20; James 1:18

Key Bible Texts

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (Revelation 14:4 KJV)