Revelation 14 focuses on the “hundred forty and four thousand” (Rev 14:1) who are made up of 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel as listed in Revelation 7:4-8. Revelation 14:1-5 starts at the second half of the great tribulation and the beginning of the millennial kingdom.

1. The occasion of the new song (Rev 14:1-2)

Revelation 14:1 tells us that the 144,000 will be with Christ at mount Zion. The name “Zion” (Rev 14:1) is used to emphasise that it is a landmark that points the lost to the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. The 144,000 saints are the starting point of the new witness (“firstfruits,” Rev 14:4). The present world (which God permitted man to rule) will end permanently and forever at the second coming of Christ. Revelation 14:2 describes a heavenly scene where all will participate in celebration and great praise to the Lord Jesus for His life and death.

2. The rest of the assembly who will be present for the occasion (Rev 14:3)

Revelation 14:3 tells us that the 144,000 sang “a new song before the throne (i.e. God Himself), and before the four beasts (i.e. the good angels), and the elders (who represent all the resurrected saints in their glorified bodies).” It also reveals that there will be qualifications to praise God because “no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand.” Will you be there?

3. The nature of the heart of those singing at the occasion (Rev 14:4-5)

(a) The choristers are “not defiled…are virgins” (Rev 14:4), i.e. they are not idolators. Idolatry includes loving anything or anyone more than God. Confess and repent immediately if there is any idolatry in your heart/life because God expects holiness of us.

(b) The choristers “follow the Lamb” (Rev 14:4), i.e. they obey God’s Word. Today, we must study God’s Word to know how we are to live in obedience to Him. If we do not want to know what God is saying to us in His Word, our prayers (i.e. we try speaking to God) will be an abomination to Him and He will not hear (Prov 28:9).

(c) The choristers “were redeemed from among men” (Rev 14:4), i.e. they are truly born-again believers of the Lord Jesus.

(d) In the choristers’ “mouth was found no guile” (Rev 14:5), i.e. they are truthful, speaking honestly and sincerely without any hidden agenda. They help others to know and love Christ better. They do not expect anything in return.

(e) The choristers are “without fault before the throne of God” (Rev 14:5). The only way to be without fault is to confess, to be washed by the blood of the Lamb, and to repent. Today, how is your heart and relationship with God? Begin and end every day of your life with a clean slate of holiness.