Sorry for the late reply.
Before I begin, once again I find it interesting that a religious topic brings in the irreligious to comment. They always hover about, and can´t wait to join a conversation in which they have no real interest, but to scoff.
I hear you.....one wonders whom it is that they are trying to convince.....? Misery loves company and so does 'unbelief' apparently. It always helps to have reinforcements....people who think like they do.....look how useful that was to the people in Noah's day.
No one was listening to that crazy old man building a huge box out in the middle of a cleared field....it must mean that they could ignore him with impunity.....
What is the genesis of these 144,000 people ? The Bible says they come from the 12 tribes of Israel. There is a slight variation in two lists in the book of Revelation regarding the 12 tribes, but the fact isn´t altered these people come from the Jewish bloodline.
Since belonging to fleshly "Israel" was discussed by John the Baptist and the apostle Paul as having little consequence if a person was not obedient to God, then being "Jewish" by birth was NOT of prime importance.
Matthew 3:7-10....
"When [John the Baptist] caught sight of many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to the baptism, he said to them: “You offspring of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore, produce fruit that befits repentance. 9 Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 10 The ax is already lying at the root of the trees. Every tree, then, that does not produce fine fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire."
Here John clearly states that being sons of Abraham was not going to count for anything if they were not repentant. We know that they never were.....the axe was poised at the beginning of Jesus ministry and it fell when Jesus declared that 'their house was abandoned'...they silenced the last prophet sent to them, just as they had done many times before. (Matthew 23:37-39)
The apostle Paul also stated that being Jewish and being circumcised meant nothing at all if Jews did not keep the law. Those recognized as "Jews on the inside" were the ones acceptable to God. These included the Gentiles who repented of their former ways, and were baptized.
Romans 2:28-29...
“For he is not a Jew who is one on the outside, nor is circumcision that which is on the outside upon the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code. The praise of that one comes, not from men, but from God.”
Its not about being "Jewish" by birth...its about acting like a Jew should in obedience to the Messiah sent by God to lead, not the incorrigible religious leaders to salvation, but the "lost sheep" who were the casualties of those negligent shepherds and that corrupt religious system.
Paul identified the
"Israel of God" as Christian disciples of Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:16)......some were Jewish...many were not. The 144,000 are not just fleshly Jews....they are spiritual Jews. Remember that only a "remnant" out of that nation were to be saved. (Romans 9:27)
So, why are 144,000 Jews given a significant place in the Christian New Testament ?
It says first and foremost that they are redeemed. They are saved Christians.
Second, they exist through the entire tribulation.
Yes...only those who accept Christ will be saved. The nation as a whole still stubbornly rejects Christ as Messiah. As Jesus said...
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her—how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. 38 Look! Your house is abandoned to you. 39 For I say to you, you will by no means see me from now until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name!’”
For almost 2,000 years this nation has denied the one who came in Jehovah's name. There will be no last minute conversion. We are having all our opportunities right now as these last days draw to a close.
Third, What makes them so important and unique ? Being on fire for the Gospel, these Messianic Jews first preach and teach in all Israel, then they and their disciples spread across the earth teaching to all the final opportunity to be saved.
Whoa
...."Messianic Jews" now? Are they calling on folk with the Christian message? How are they spreading their teachings across the earth when no one has seen or heard from them? I have never met one face to face in my entire life.
During this terrible period of time, they are steadfast, true to God, and are on fire for Him. They are given power and strength by The Spirit and are rewarded in the end for their work.
The "great tribulation" is a time of great turmoil for all mankind living. The 144,000, according to Revelation are standing with Jesus in heaven when the tribulation breaks out....so it is the "great crowd" who suffer through that time and come out victorious. (Revelation 7:9-10; 13-14; Matthew 24:13)
The 144,000 are called out of Babylon at the end, for a particular reason, from a particular people.
It is not just the 144,000 who are called out of Babylon the great. It is all servants of the true God.
"The faithful and discreet slave" appointed by Jesus to feed his household their
"food at the proper time" (Matthew 24:45) exited "Babylon the great" ages ago and have re-established true worship on earth in these last days, leading others out of that disgusting place. (Revelation 18:4)
Representatives of the Jewish people finally complete the work God gave them in the first place, spreading the love of God for all mankind.
Really? Is that what you see? God kept his covenant with Israel, but they did not keep their covenant with him.
They broke the covenant...he did not. God produced their Messiah as promised, but true to their pride and rebellious nature, they put him to death. God has no further obligation whatsoever to the Jews.
He chose a new nation to replace them....
."the Israel of God"....these were out of all nations. (Acts of the Apostles 15:14; Acts of the Apostles 10:34-35)
They also, as Jews, finally recognize their Messiah, and accept His role for them in His kingdom, as it was supposed to be.
Don't hold your breath....
Literal Israel were handed back to the world because they have blood on their hands and like their forefathers, they have made alliances with other nations, rather than relying on their God to defend them. (Isaiah 1:15) God does not support them, nor does he protect them. I do not believe that he has recognized them as his people since the first century. Once their Temple was destroyed, it was never rebuilt. Their sacrifices were the only way to have their sins forgiven....now there is nowhere to offer them.
I have to admit, I am a little disappointed that your reply is rather short on scripture Shmogie.....I thought it was going to be a verse by verse discussion....?