Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
I saw a great crowd that no man could number (Rev. 7:9).
Joseph Rutherford presented the historic speech entitled "The Great Crowd" in 1935 at an assembly in the city of Washington (United States). In his talk, Brother Rutherford explained who would make up the “great crowd” (Modern Version) or “great crowd” spoken of in Revelation 7:9. Until that time, this was thought to be a group of human beings who would go to heaven but were second-rate for being less loyal. Brother Rutherford used the Bible to make it clear that those who make up the great crowd are not chosen to live in heaven, but are those of Christ's other sheep who will survive "the great tribulation" and live forever on earth (Rev. 7:14). Jesus promised: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I have to bring those too, and they will listen to my voice. They will be one flock with one shepherd” (John 10:16). This group consists of loyal Jehovah's Witnesses who hope to live forever on the earth made a paradise.—Matt. 25:31-33, 46. w21.01 14 paras. 1, 2
According to Revelation 7:13-15, what is the great crowd already doing?
Read Revelation 7:13-15. John says that the members of the great crowd “have washed their long robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This means that they have a clear conscience and that they have Jehovah's approval (Isa. 1:18). They are dedicated, baptized Christians who have strong faith in Jesus' sacrifice and are friends of Jehovah (John 3:36; 1 Pet. 3:21). For all this, they can be before the throne of God giving him "sacred service day and night" in the earthly courtyard of his spiritual temple. In fact, they already enthusiastically do most of the preaching and disciple-making work, putting Kingdom interests above their own.—Matt. 6:33; 24:14; 28:19, 20.
Of what are those who make up the great crowd certain, and what promise will they see realized?
Those who make up the great crowd are sure that God will continue to care for them after the great tribulation because the Bible says that "he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them." In addition, this promise that the other sheep have been waiting for so long will be fulfilled: God "will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, nor will there be any more sadness or crying or pain" (Rev. 21:3,4) .
a) According to Revelation 7:16, 17, what blessings await the great crowd? b) At the Memorial, what can the other sheep do, and why do they do it?
Read Revelation 7:16, 17. Right now, some of Jehovah's servants are starving because of economic problems or the devastating consequences of riots and war. Others are imprisoned for their beliefs. However, those who make up the great crowd are thrilled to know that when they survive the destruction of this evil system, they will always have plenty of physical and spiritual nourishment. When Jehovah destroys Satan's evil world, he will make sure to protect the great crowd from his fury, which is like “scorching heat.” After the great tribulation, Jesus will guide the survivors to eternal "waters of life." Imagine the wonderful hope that the great crowd has: of the billions of people who have ever lived, they may be the only ones who never die (John 11:26).
How grateful the other sheep are to Jehovah and Jesus for their wonderful hope. Although Jehovah did not choose them to live in heaven, he loves and values them as much as the anointed ones. Both the other sheep and the anointed can praise God and Christ, and one way to do this is by being present at the Lord's Supper.
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