God's Unstoppable Plan: Revival and Restoration

Devotional

Day 1: God Seals and Sends His Servants for a Great Purpose

God’s plan for the future includes sealing and sending out 144,000 from the tribes of Israel as protected witnesses, set apart to proclaim the gospel during the tribulation. This sealing is not just a mark of identity, but a divine protection and commissioning for a unique mission in the most turbulent time in human history. Just as boots are sealed to withstand harsh terrain, these servants are divinely equipped to endure and fulfill God’s promise to Abraham that through his offspring all nations would be blessed. Their mission will spark the greatest evangelistic movement the world has ever seen, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to Israel and His heart for the nations. [10:45]

Revelation 7:1-8 (ESV)
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow on earth or sea or against any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God calling you to step out in faith and be a witness for Him, even if it means being set apart or facing challenges?

Day 2: God Saves a Great Multitude from Every Nation

God’s heart is for all people, and in the midst of tribulation, He will save a countless multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language. This vision of global worship shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that the gospel will bear fruit even in the darkest times. The redeemed will stand before the throne, clothed in white, worshipping the Lamb who has washed them clean. This is a foretaste of the unity and diversity of God’s eternal family, and a reminder that God’s saving power is unstoppable, reaching across every barrier and border. [13:00]

Revelation 7:9-17 (ESV)
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Reflection: Who in your life seems far from God or unreachable? How can you pray for and reach out to them, trusting that God’s grace is for every nation and every person?

Day 3: The King Will Return and Restore All Things

Jesus Christ will return in power and glory to the Mount of Olives, bringing deliverance, judgment, and the restoration of creation. His second coming is not a hidden event but a global, triumphant return where He will stand as King over all the earth, split the mountain, provide an escape for His people, and usher in a new era of peace and righteousness. The curse will be lifted, creation will be renewed, and the capital city, Jerusalem, will be secure and filled with the glory of God. This hope anchors believers in the present and calls them to live in anticipation of the coming King. [32:17]

Zechariah 14:1-9 (ESV)
Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus’ return and the restoration of all things shape the way you face trials and live out your faith today?

Day 4: God’s Heart is Always for Restoration

No matter how far people or creation have fallen, God’s desire is to redeem and restore. The future holds a time when the curse will be lifted, the land will be renewed, and the city will be sanctified—set apart for God’s glory. This restoration is not just for Israel, but for all who trust in Christ, and it is a testimony that God never gives up on His people or His world. Even now, God is at work redeeming brokenness and calling us to trust Him for healing and new beginnings, both personally and globally. [35:17]

Romans 8:18-23 (ESV)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Reflection: What area of your life feels broken or hopeless? Ask God today to begin His work of restoration in that place, trusting that He is a redeemer.

Day 5: Be Faithful to Share and Show the Love of Christ

God is always at work, saving and redeeming people, and He calls His church to be faithful in sharing and showing the love of Jesus. The story of great revivals and personal testimonies reminds us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when they are willing to step out in faith. In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, believers are called to be light, to serve the King, and to invite others into the hope and salvation found in Christ. Today is the day to respond to God’s call—whether by turning to Him for the first time or by boldly living out your faith. [45:44]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can share or show the love of Christ to someone in your life today? Will you take that step?

Sermon Summary

Revelation 7 and Zechariah 14 paint a breathtaking picture of God’s redemptive plan for Israel and the world. God’s heart for the lost is on display as He raises up 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the coming tribulation—a time of unprecedented global upheaval. These “super evangelists” will be sealed and protected by God, fulfilling ancient promises to Abraham and the prophets that Israel would one day be a light to the nations. Through their witness, a multitude from every tribe, tongue, and nation will come to faith in Jesus Christ, even in the darkest days of human history.

This future revival is not just about numbers; it’s about God’s faithfulness to His word and His relentless pursuit of people. The tribulation will be a time of great suffering, but also of great salvation. God’s grace will break through, and the worship of the redeemed will echo across the globe. The vision in Revelation 7 is a foretaste of the ultimate restoration and worship that will take place when Jesus returns.

Turning to Zechariah 14, we see the climactic return of King Jesus. The nations will gather against Jerusalem, but the Lord Himself will descend on the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two and providing a miraculous escape for His people. This is the long-awaited second coming, when Jesus will not come in humility but in power and glory, accompanied by His saints. Creation itself will be renewed: Jerusalem will be elevated, living waters will flow, and the curse will be lifted. The city will be secure, worship will be universal, and everything will be set apart for God’s glory.

These prophetic promises are not just distant events; they reveal God’s character and His ongoing work in the world. God is always at work, often in ways we cannot see, orchestrating salvation and restoration. The call for us today is to trust in His sovereignty, to share the hope of Christ boldly, and to remember that no matter how dark the world becomes, God’s plan is unstoppable. He is the King who saves, restores, and reigns forever.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s faithfulness to Israel is unwavering, even when the world turns against her. The sealing of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the tribulation is a fulfillment of God’s ancient promises, showing that He never abandons His people or His word. In a world quick to forget or oppose Israel, God’s plans remain sure and His purposes unstoppable. [10:45]
2. The greatest revival in history will occur in the darkest hour. The tribulation will be marked by chaos and suffering, yet it will also be the stage for the most powerful outpouring of salvation the world has ever seen. God’s grace is not limited by circumstances; He often brings life and hope where it seems least possible. [14:00]
3. The return of Jesus is not a hidden event but a cosmic, public triumph. When Christ descends on the Mount of Olives, every eye will see Him, and the world will witness the final victory of God over evil. This is not just a theological point—it is the anchor of Christian hope, reminding us that history is moving toward the reign of the true King. [28:37]
4. God’s restoration is total—He redeems not only people but all of creation. The renewal described in Zechariah 14 is physical, social, and spiritual: the land is transformed, the city is secure, and worship fills every corner. God’s redemption is never partial; He intends to make all things new, and His people are called to live in anticipation of that wholeness. [35:17]
5. Our present calling is to participate in God’s mission with urgency and faithfulness. The stories of past revivals and the promises of future ones remind us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether in times of peace or turmoil, the church is called to share and show the love of Christ, trusting that God is always at work—even when we cannot see the full picture. [45:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:09] - Early Ministry and Outreach Stories
[03:42] - Skate Park Evangelism and Live In It Team
[05:55] - Connecting with Luis Palau Association
[07:18] - God’s Call and Transition to Seminary
[08:09] - Revelation 7: The Sealing of the 144,000
[10:45] - God’s Promises to Israel and Future Restoration
[14:00] - The Great Multitude and Global Revival
[24:43] - Zechariah 14: The Siege of Jerusalem
[27:03] - The Second Coming: King Jesus Returns
[28:37] - The Mount of Olives and the Escape Route
[33:14] - The Saints Return with Christ
[35:17] - Creation Restored and Living Waters
[36:44] - The Savior Reigns as King
[38:25] - Jerusalem Secured and Justice Established
[39:31] - The Scourge of the Nations
[41:14] - Universal Worship and the Sanctified City
[42:36] - Personal Story: City Fest and God’s Ongoing Work
[45:44] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 7:1-17 (ESV) — Zechariah 14:1-21 (ESV)

Observation Questions

In Revelation 7, who are the 144,000 that are sealed, and what is their purpose during the tribulation? ([08:09])
According to Revelation 7:9-14, what is unique about the great multitude that appears before the throne? Where do they come from? ([09:55])
In Zechariah 14, what dramatic event happens when the Lord returns to the Mount of Olives? ([28:37])
What changes are described in creation and in Jerusalem after the Lord’s return, according to Zechariah 14? ([35:17])

Interpretation Questions

Why does God choose to seal and protect 144,000 Jewish evangelists during the tribulation, and how does this fulfill His promises to Israel? ([10:45])
What does the vision of a great multitude from every nation worshiping God in Revelation 7 reveal about God’s heart and His plan for salvation? ([09:55])
How does the public and visible return of Jesus on the Mount of Olives in Zechariah 14 shape our understanding of Christian hope and the end of history? ([28:37])
What does the total restoration described in Zechariah 14 (physical, social, and spiritual) teach us about the scope of God’s redemption? ([35:17])

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that God’s faithfulness to Israel is unwavering, even when the world turns against her. In a time when Israel is often in the news and sometimes opposed, how should Christians respond in prayer and attitude toward Israel? ([10:45])
The greatest revival in history is said to happen during the darkest hour. Have you ever seen God bring hope or salvation in a situation that seemed hopeless? How does this encourage you to trust God in your own difficult circumstances? ([14:00])
The return of Jesus is described as a public, cosmic event. How does this truth affect the way you view current world events and your own future? Does it give you hope, urgency, or something else? ([28:37])
Zechariah 14 describes a time when all of creation is restored and everything is set apart for God’s glory. What are some practical ways you can “set apart” areas of your life for God’s glory right now? ([35:17])
The sermon called the church to participate in God’s mission with urgency and faithfulness, sharing and showing the love of Christ. Who is one person in your life you feel called to reach out to, and what is one step you can take this week? ([45:44])
The 144,000 are described as “super evangelists” who boldly share the gospel even in the hardest times. What fears or obstacles keep you from sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them? ([08:09])
The vision of worship in Revelation 7 is global and diverse. How can our church or small group better reflect God’s heart for all nations and peoples in our worship and outreach? ([09:55])

Sermon Clips

It was 2002. A life-changing moment took place. I married my wife. Everything changed. That day shaped me deeply as a man and as a follower of Jesus Christ. Our marriage became one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. And we were blessed with children. By the time I'm telling you this story, she was carrying our first. [00:01:56] (27 seconds) #MarriageTransformsFaith

It is a time coming that will be poured out on earth, incredible trials and tribulations, not just like everyday hardships, but cataclysmic world-level events where the church will be rescued. And that's where we're picking up Revelation chapter 7. [00:08:50] (21 seconds) #EndTimesRescue

God's not done with Israel. It's not a good idea to join that side. It's very popular to to join a Hamas movement that's funneling and championing the free Palestine movement and I'll get into that more next week but God's not done with Israel very clearly this is a future event you'll see that God sends and he's going to raise up 12,000 from each of these tribes and look he's gonna save a great multitude of people a lot of people not just Jewish people in the tribulation age all those that got left behind all those that did not get raptured all those friends and families that that would just never receive Jesus Christ God's gonna use in the future the tribulation age to bring about a great salvation. [00:14:54] (46 seconds) #TribulationSalvationPlan

If you've ever been in an international mission context and you see people singing together I can remember visiting in Madrid Spain where we were praying about planting a church we crawled up to this mountain and there was this cross and there was this familiar sound and song and it was amazing grace but nobody was singing in their in one language they were singing in their own language and we had maybe a couple dozen people singing in different languages but somehow it synchronized and I thought what a foretaste what a glimpse of God's glory in the future. [00:19:33] (36 seconds) #GlobalWorshipUnity

And you are not a Christian if you do not affirm the second coming of Jesus Christ this is a description in Zechariah chapter 14 and you are not a Christian and you are not a Christian and you are not a Christian That Jesus comes back, that Jesus returns, that the king finally comes to rescue and establish his kingdom. When we say that prayer, our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That is what we're seeing unfold, Zechariah chapter 14. [00:23:44] (30 seconds) #SecondComingEssential

So our king, Jesus, is coming back. And the capital city of the kingdom will be Jerusalem. So when the Bible tells you to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. When God says the Jewish people are chosen people, believe it. Are they a faithful witness now? No. But they get a second chance. How many of us have had second chances? I mean, that's who God is. And he constantly saves and constantly redeems. [00:32:46] (34 seconds) #JerusalemPeacePromise

King Jesus will finally have his place. He will not ride into town on a donkey. He will come on a white war horse. He will not be laid low in a manger. He will sit on a glorious throne. He will not be some obscure carpenter's son. He will be revealed as king of kings and lord of lords. He will not be despised and rejected. He will be worshipped and adored by all nations. He will not wear a crown of thorns. He'll wear a crown of victory. [00:37:47] (28 seconds) #KingJesusRevealed

No more war. Jerusalem shall dwell in security. No more locks. No more bolts. No more gates. No more guns. And no more lawyers. There's no need. Because the king is home. Justice is finally established. [00:38:47] (21 seconds) #PeacefulJerusalemReign

The idea is that everything is set apart for God's glory and for good. That the whole city, there's not a division between the sacred and the secular. Everything is to be used for the glory of God. So it's a sanctified city. It's a city set apart, dedicated to the Lord. [00:42:37] (17 seconds) #SanctifiedCityGlory

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