What will the 144,000 suffer throughout their ministry?
The 144,000 will suffer privation all through their ministry, enduring hardships during the seven-year period. Although sealed in their foreheads so no one can take their life, they still face these privations as they proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, just as other believers will suffer during that time.
Les explains that Jesus showed the 144,000 are going to suffer privation all through their ministry. In Revelation 7:3, the angel commands not to hurt the earth, sea, or trees until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. Like the mark on Cain, this sealing means no one can take their life. From the twelve tribes, 12,000 each are sealed and go out to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. Les also connects this to Matthew 25:16, noting these privations are what believers and the 144,000 suffer during the seven-year period. Those who take the mark of the beast will never succumb to the gospel of the kingdom.