The Lamb which was slain for the sins of the world and is now exalted to the right hand of God to be the King of earth—“the lion of the tribe of Judah” (Rev. 5:5; Gen. 49:9)—is later in the Book of Revelation pictured as standing on Mt. Zion. (Rev. 14:1) This is a symbol of his kingly authority and exaltation. (Ps. 2:6-9) In this Mt. Zion picture we are told that others are to be with the Lamb in that highly exalted position—144,000 others.

“These are they,” we read, “which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” (Rev. 14:4) These are the same ones referred to in Revelation 20:4, who sacrificed their lives “for the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God.” Because of this “they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” These are the ones mentioned by the Apostle Paul as the “children of God,” and “if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.”—Rom. 8:16,17

These, in brief, are the true church of Christ, called out from the world during the present age. For faithfully laying down their lives in divine service, they will share the kingdom honor and glory with Jesus. They will reign with him as priests and kings. (Rev. 20:6) They will be co-judges with him. (I Cor. 6:2,3) They serve with him as “ministers of reconciliation.” (II Cor. 5:18) In short, they will share the high honor of all of Jesus’ high offices in the divine plan for reconciling a lost world to God. They will even share his heavenly home.—John 14:1-3

As the “bride” of Christ, the church will also share in that glorious future work of giving life and perfection of mind and body to the dying race. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come,” the Revelator writes, “and let him take the water of life freely.” What a glorious prospect!—Rev. 22:17

In Isaiah 11:1 Jesus is called the “stem of Jesse” (David’s father) but in Revelation 22:16 Jesus is called both the “root” and “offspring” of David. So far as Jesus’ human life was concerned, he was a descendant of David, a “stem.” In his role of Savior and Lifegiver he becomes the “root” of David, that is, his source of life. And not only David, but all mankind, will have an opportunity to enjoy the everlasting life made available through Jesus’ redemptive work.