In the book of Revelation, chapter seven, John describes seeing four angels holding back the winds of destruction until another angel seals the bondservants of God on their foreheads. The total number of those sealed is 144,000, which is a symbolic representation of the saints of God on earth at any given point in time. These individuals are the true Israel, God’s holy nation. John then sees another group, an innumerable host, standing before the throne. They belong to every nation, wear white robes, and sing praises to God and the Lamb. These individuals are already beyond danger as they are dead and no longer on the earth. Thus, they are before the throne, with God!

11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,  

12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 

16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 

17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

~ Revelation 7:11-17

Holy God, I know that You are merciful and just. While living on this earth, my desire is to faithfully serve You, regardless of the circumstances. Although there may be peace and prosperity here, many people in the world are facing economic hardships, natural disasters, wars, and societal upheavals. I pray that You will be with Your people during these challenging times, providing them with comfort and hope. I believe that You are currently reigning over the whole earth, even from Your throne in heaven, and I hope to be a part of that innumerable host that dwells with You. Please help us to remain faithful to You while we are here. Thank You for Your promises and for the hope that we find in Jesus. Amen.