July 26: ONE IN A CROWD

Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. Revelation 9:16

The releasing of the formerly restrained demonic horsemen by the four angels is a turning point in the war between good and evil. This war, which began in heaven (12:7) is now confined to the earth and will be brought to its conclusion here on earth. The release of this army of horsemen would appear to allot an unfair advantage to the side of evil. However, in 11:13, which we will look at in detail later, we are given an amazing, uplifting report in that there will be those lost ones who view the destructive demonic activity and its consequences who will recognize the need to turn around and glorify God. This glimpse of salvation just before the end should give every believer a boost toward actively sharing the gospel regardless of how hopeless the world scene may appear.

The symbolic number of this enemy, two hundred million, is intended to be compared to the symbolic number of God’s sealed people given in chapter 7: one hundred and forty-four thousand. In both instances, John specifies: “I heard the number of them”. It is a unique expression that occurs in only these two instances. This comparison of a very large number representing God’s enemies to a relatively small one representing His remnant is a sober reminder that the group with bigger numbers should have no bearing upon spiritual decisions that His children make.

In Elijah’s day, he felt as though he was the only true believer in the world. But God assured him that He had reserved seven thousand (1 Kings 19:18) who had not bowed down to or kissed the false god Baal. This number symbolized the completeness of the commitment of God’s faithful ones in a world of lost people.

Gideon was admonished to reduce the count of his men before standing against the Midianites (Judges 7:2-7). He obeyed, and the ensuing series of victories brought forty years of peace to Israel. Sadly, this period of peace did not bring about a genuine heart-change in the people. So it was, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god (Judges 8:33).

Does the Lord ever tell you to do something that tests your “common sense”? If you are committed to your common sense, you will never hear Him. He wants to instill in you an adventurous spirit that is willing to test everything you have been conditioned to think. A leap of faith may feel like a risk, as though it is a leap into the dark. In reality, it is a leap into the light. Obedience is the key that unlocks greater understanding of His words. Only one in a crowd is willing to lay aside his own common sense in order to obey the Lord. Beloved, be that one! Think of it as an investment of yourself in the character of God. This is the only investment with eternal returns. Do you love Him enough to obey His words?

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” John 14:23-24