Revelation Chapter 7

1 I know who controls the winds; I know the prophecy of the four angels stand- ing at the four corners of the earth, hold- ing back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.

2–3 I know that the sea and the land will be harmed but that the beloved of God will be sealed by the living God. I know my God and I know who I am in Christ; I know there shall be calamities but I also know that I am a protected species.

4–8 In the act of divine reshuffling and repositioning, I am favored and not demoted. Jacob demoted Reuben deservedly via a curse, but Moses re- instated him via a blessing. Joseph placed a higher blessing on Ephraim the younger over and above Manasseh the older. However, Ephraim proved himself unworthy and God said “let him alone.” Finally, I can see interplays of offences, curses and blessings and their end results: when 144,000 would be sealed for safety in Israel, Reuben bounced back,Manasseh finally dislodged Ephraim and Dan disappeared to make way for Reuben! I shall not desecrate myself like Reuben or live unworthy of my blessings like Ephraim or disappear from listing like Dan. My position shall not go to another; I am favored like Judah, the one who holds the scepter.

9 I know that I am not alone in the contention for the faith delivered to the saints; I belong to the largest family in the universe, diverse but united in Christ — a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and lan- guage. I know that my Savior’s throne is a place of worship and celebration of sweetest victory; when the saints shall stand before the throne and in front of the Lamb, everyone wearing white robes and holding palm branches in his hands.