March 23

Revelation 14:4—The firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.

What a word is here! The apostle points to the radiant throng, grouped around Christ as his bodyguard of personal attendants. We had just beheld in the previous chapter the mighty legions mustering under the prince of darkness, and which furnish a strange contrast to this galaxy of strength and beauty. And as we wonder and admire, we are told that they are but as the firstfruit sheaf of the mighty harvest to be reaped from the earth.

By examining the firstfruit sheaf, we are able to tell the nature and quality of all the other sheaves that stand in the harvest-field under the golden autumn light. It is by studying the characteristics of these happy and holy spirits that we may learn what we shall be, and what the whole body of the elect shall be one day. Let us consider their number, their character, and their occupation.

Their number.—"With Him, a hundred and forty-four thousand." But if this vast multitude is only a sheaf, what will not the entire harvest be but a multitude which none shall be able to compute?

Their character.—Stamped indelibly with the name of God and of the Lamb; singing a new song, which only redeemed hearts can learn and redeemed lips utter; virgin souls, clad in stainless purity, with no lie in their mouths, and no blemish in their lives; purchased from among men to follow the Lamb. Such are they before the throne.

Their occupation.—Adoration: they sing a new song. Loyal obedience and companionship: they follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. They cannot claim aught to themselves. Their whole story is told in the announcement that they were purchased—purchased by the blood of the Lamb they love.