And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, [3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Revelation 7:2-3 KJV
During the reign of kings on the earth, the seal of a king symbolized his authority and approval. Anything written and marked with the king’s name and seal (or signet) had the full backing of the king and his empire and it had to be executed. An individual who had the king’s seal pretty much had the authority of the king and could act as the king in matters regarding the empire. As believers, we have been given the name of the Lord for the purpose of executing His command. Jesus said to us that whatsoever we ask in His name, will be given, John 16:23. We have authority in the name of Jesus to tread upon serpents and scorpions and all the powers of the enemy because it has been freely given to us by Christ, Luke 10:19.
There is, however, a difference between having the name of the Lord and bearing the seal/ name of the Lord on our forehead and using the name of the Lord. Jesus said “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity“. Matthew 7:22-23. The question that may come to mind is: How can one prophesy in the name of the Lord and cast our devils but still never know the Lord? It is possible to use the name of the Lord, but not be named after the Lord or have his name on their forehead.
A girl is born and takes on the name of her father, who is an authority over her. When she gets married, she takes on the name of her husband, showing the switch in authority. This means taking on the name of the Lord means coming under His authority. It simply means the person is now owned by the Lord. Seeing that the one who is sealed or takes up the name of the Lord comes under His authority, like a father or husband, it is His responsibility to protect. Hence, Ezekiel 9 and Revelations 7 shows that those who were named after the Lord were shielded from the coming judgement upon the earth. There were also more perks these sealed ones received. In Revelations 14, it was said they sung a song that no one else can learn. A song in scriptures is usually based on an experience a person had. We see this throughout the psalms, with Hannah in 1 Samuel 2, Miriam in Exodus 15, etc. This means that besides the fact that these people are protected from the fiery judgement coming on the earth, they have experiences that no one outside this class of people can experience.
What are the characteristics of those who are sealed? Ezekiel 9:4-6 and Revelations 7:4-3 shows a pattern that marked them out. It is important to note that these were sealed among God’s people. This means they were chosen from among them that were given access to the name of the Lord. Ezekiel 9:4-6 says they mourned for the iniquity in the temple. Revelations 7:3-4 says they were servants (bondslaves) of God. Revelations 14:1-5 says they were not defiled, had no guile in their lips, were faultless before the throne and followed the lamb wheresoever He went. Paul also described these people who were named after the Lord as those who departed from iniquity, 2 Timothy 2:19. They are overcomers and as a result, have the name of Christ, the name of the new Jerusalem and even the new name of Christ written on their forehead, Revelations 3:18. These people not only had God’s name as a name tag, but they also took on His nature and are known in heaven. They were the faithful ones among the chosen to have the name of the Lord.
We are living in perilous times, where it is obvious that various judgements are released upon the earth. Having the seal of the Lord is our immunity and protection. It is what counts you worthy to escape the pangs the earth is about to face and counts worthy of that celestial city and to stand before Jesus in the kingdom to come, Luke 21:36. It is they who follow the Lord wherever He goes, dwelling in His secret place that will have a thousand fall at their left hand and ten thousand and their right hand without any fear or harm, Psalm 91. Hence, it is not enough to use the name of the Lord to display signs and wonders or do many works for the Lord. Our consecration and devotion to God now is not a choice, it will differentiate those who will survive in the days to come and inherit the kingdom and those who will be cast away. Let they who name the name of the Lord flee from iniquity.
Prayer for today: Thank you for your word to me today. Thank you for giving me your name. Lord, I not only want to have your name, but I also want to know your name. I want to take Your name upon me. Place your name upon me, Lord. Please count me worthy to escape the things that are coming upon the earth, that I may stand before the Son of God in Your coming Kingdom. Amen.
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