By John Thiel, The Characteristics of the Twelve Tribes of the 144,000 Conference, study 12, mp3

Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 33:12 [And] of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; [and the LORD] shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

To be among the 144,000 does not mean perfection at first. The perfection that they are described as having is the end-result of a purification process after which they are declared as perfect and sinless.

Perfection

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

The message of the third angels tells us, Here is the patience of the saints. And the apostle says, Let patience have her perfect work; because as we go through these trials of the last days and we count it all joy that we meet those trials and we are patient with them, we will become perfect, entire, wanting nothing. This is a very clear representation of the perfection which we are to attain to. It is entire, with nothing else needed, absolute perfection. This is what this is about.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. … 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.

We are called upon to build up ourselves in the most holy faith, continuing to focus upon the love of God. “Keep yourselves in the love of God,” the apostle says, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life;” which means that He is going to “keep us from falling, and to present us faultless.” We are dependent upon the mercy of God for this. So here are a people who are going through a purging experience, through trials.

Through the Fire

Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

If you and I want everlasting life, if we want to be saved at last, it is through the fire, a purification such as the refining of silver and gold. These 144,000 come out of great tribulation; that is the trial of our faith that purges us.

Revelation 7:14 …And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Washing, fire, purification – this is all part of the trials of your faith.

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. … 5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Here they are.

There are those who listen to the truth, and are convinced that they have been living in opposition to Christ. {MYP 73.3}

How many times have people said this to me, O dear, I’m so far off the mark; I have been living in opposition to what has been shown me.

They are condemned, and they repent of their transgressions. Relying upon the merits of Christ, exercising true faith in Him, they receive pardon for sin. As they cease to do evil and learn to do well, they grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. {MYP 73.3}

Can you see the progressive process? Relying upon the merits of Christ – if you don’t rely on His merits you’re never going to feel happy. He will make you feel accepted by His merits. Exercising true faith in Him – that is how they receive pardon. And they cease to do evil and learn to do well, and so they grow in grace.

They see that they must sacrifice in order to separate from the world; and, after counting the cost, they look upon all as loss if they may but win Christ. They have enlisted in Christ’s army. The warfare is before them, and they enter it bravely and cheerfully, fighting against their natural inclinations and selfish desires, bringing the will into subjection to the will of Christ. Daily they seek the Lord for grace to obey Him, and they are strengthened and helped. This is true conversion. In humble, grateful dependence he who has been given a new heart relies upon the help of Christ. He reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He once loved himself. Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is dethroned, and God reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and resolutely he follows in the path of holiness. {MYP 73.3}

This is the course of each one of us to finally be a purified 144,000. The warfare is before us. We are in it in fact. The dependence is totally on God; we have a new heart because of conversion, and we no longer pursue the things that we once used to enjoy. The things we once loved are laid aside, even the loving of myself and worldly pleasures; it’s all dethroned. This is a process in which they will learn to do well.

Benjamin’s Beginnings

What character depravation took root in Benjamin’s formative years? When he was born what was it that triggered his life into a process of negativity?

Genesis 35:16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem.

What sort of a beginning of life do we see here? Is there something wrong with this? All the other sons were born with bickering parents, and they had a poor start because of that; but here was someone who was born to a mother who died at his birth. He was born to Rachel, who was Jacob’s favourite wife. And just before dying, she calls her newborn Benoni, which means son of my sorrow. But Jacob called him Benjamin, which means son of my old age. So this child is surrounded by influences of the sorrow and loss of his mother at birth, and also of a father who says, Now this is the son of my old age. Is there something wrong here? To all observation, we might think, What’s wrong with that? It sounds okay, doesn’t it? Consider again the meaning of those names: son of my sorrow, son of my old age.

Do you know what happens to children who are born to a catastrophic birth, and especially to someone who is getting on in years, and even someone who has a favourite wife? This son is now very special to them. What is the result of Benjamin’s circumstances of birth and formative years?

Many years later, after the golden cup had been found in Benjamin’s bag, Judah started pleading with Joseph, whom he only knew as the governor of Egypt; and notice what is described about Benjamin.

In his deep distress Judah now drew near to the ruler and exclaimed, “O my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh.” In words of touching eloquence he described his father’s grief at the loss of Joseph and his reluctance to let Benjamin come with them to Egypt, as he was the only son left of his mother, Rachel, whom Jacob so dearly loved. “Now therefore,” he said, “when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad’s life; it shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. {PP 230.2}

What is the impact upon the life of Benjamin by a father like that? The father’s life is wrapped up with his son. Can you imagine what transpired as he grew older from childhood during those formative years?

Seeds Sown from Childhood

In many families the seeds of vanity and selfishness are sown in the hearts of the children almost during babyhood. {4T 200.3}

This Benjamin, the child of Jacob’s old age, with what kind of influences was this child surrounded? What are the seeds that are sown into this child? Have you ever seen a doting parent? Jacob would be a doting father; his life was wrapped up with this child. What kind of seeds would thus be sown?

Their cunning little sayings and doings are commented upon and praised in their presence, and repeated with exaggerations to others. {4T 200.3}

A doting parent, proud of his little baby, proud of his dear son. The child will be hearing of the father’s doting appreciation of him. So what happens?

The little ones take note of this and swell with self-importance; they presume to interrupt conversations, and become forward and impudent. {4T 200.3}

The child is listening, and as it is listening to all the good things that are being said about it, the little child is picking up seeds of self-importance; pride is swelling up within it. They presume to interrupt conversations because they’re so important!

Flattery and indulgence foster their vanity and willfulness, until the youngest not unfrequently rules the whole family, father and mother included. {4T 200.3}

Could this have been Benjamin’s experience?

The disposition formed by this sort of training cannot be laid aside as the child matures to riper judgment. {4T 201.1}

And what happens as the child grows into adulthood?

It grows with his growth, and what might have appeared cunning in the baby becomes contemptible and wicked in the man or woman. They seek to rule over their associates, and if any refuse to yield to their wishes they consider themselves aggrieved and insulted. This is because they have been indulged to their injury in youth, instead of being taught the self-denial necessary to bear the hardships and toils of life. {4T 201.1}

Parents frequently pet and indulge their young children because it appears easier to manage them in that way. {4T 201.2}

“You want to control and manage the child? Indulge the child.” This is the mentality.

It is smoother work to let them have their own way than to check the unruly inclinations that rise so strongly in their breasts. Yet this course is cowardly. It is a wicked thing thus to shirk responsibility; for the time will come when these children, whose unchecked inclinations have strengthened into absolute vices, will bring reproach and disgrace upon themselves and their families. They go out into busy life unprepared for its temptations, not strong enough to endure perplexities and troubles; passionate, overbearing, undisciplined, they seek to bend others to their will, and, failing in this, consider themselves ill-used by the world and turn against it. {4T 201.2}

The lessons of childhood, good or bad, are not learned in vain. Character is developed in youth for good or evil. {4T 201.3}

Let us examine to see whether these characteristics of childhood pride and passionate self-will are actually revealed in Benjamin as he gets on.

A Forceful Personality

Genesis 49:27 Benjamin shall ravin [or avenge] [as] a wolf:

Isn’t this exactly what we have been reading? It happened to Benjamin.

Genesis 49:29 …in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

There was something that developed in him – he would become a forceful personality, because in childhood he was pampered. What else characterised the posterity of Benjamin? These children of Benjamin, his tribe, had a particular quality about them. What would have an influence upon this tribe, upon this character?

Judges 20:15 And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men. 16 Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

Are you aware of certain skills that you have? And when you are so good at that skill, what does it do to you? They couldn’t miss an hair’s breadth; that’s how smart they were.

1 Chronicles 8:40 And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, an hundred and fifty. All these [are] of the sons of Benjamin. 

Men of valour, of capability.

1 Chronicles 12:1 Now these [are] they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they [were] among the mighty men, helpers of the war. 2 [They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. 

Very skilled men. What is the danger upon this kind of skilled people, with already the ingredient of a petted childhood background in their forefather? They are self-willed, so strong and so capable.

Pride and Arrogance

1 Corinthians 8:1 …Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

What does knowledge, skill, capability do to you? It puffeth up. There are people who are so capable, so skilful, and who had petted childhood background – they think they know better than others. They are capable, better than others; and there is a development in the sinful, human nature that is self-explanatory.

1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

Exceeding proud, arrogant – these are the consequences. I know this very well. The German nature must be a Benjamite, because they are skilful and they become very arrogant. Benjamin was of this kind of nature, people who are very arrogant, proud, speaking of their capabilities, so smart. Have you ever heard someone boasting about how well they can aim at something and knock it off the perch? It swells up inside of you. You feel proud about it. Human skill. And in this present age in which we are living, this is more serious than ever:

Last Days Dangers

It is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can be of value in the work of God; {CH 367.1}

What? Benjamin had talents, very valuable in the warfare that they had to fight. The Benjamites came to support David; they were so capable. But in today’s age, it is a dangerous time for those people who have talents that can be valuable in the work of God. Why?

…for Satan is constantly plying his temptations upon such a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and ambition; and when God would use him, in nine cases out of ten he becomes independent, self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing alone.{CH 367.1}

Because he’s better than others. “I can do it myself.” What does God say? “When God would use him, in nine cases out of ten he becomes independent, self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing alone.” Nine out of ten – that is the age in which we are living.

This will be your danger, Dr. —-, unless you live a life of constant faith and prayer. You may have a deep and abiding sense of eternal things and that love for humanity which Christ has shown in His life. A close connection with Heaven will give the right tone to your fidelity and will be the ground of your success. {CH 367.1}

In the age in which we are living, the talents of capability, the skills, nine times out of ten, can actually lead in the wrong direction, even though these are talents that can be used for God’s glory.

Dangers beset every path, and he who comes off conqueror will indeed have a triumphant song to sing in the city of God. {4T 538.1}

This is the 144,000; they will sing a triumphant song.

Some have strong traits of character that will need to be constantly repressed. If kept under the control of the Spirit of God, these traits will be a blessing; but if not, they will prove a curse. {4T 538.1}

Benjamin was a good child, he was just petted. These are the influences, the seeds, that will sprout into arrogance and pride; yet those very same qualities can be blessed by God.

If those who are now riding upon the wave of popularity do not become giddy, it will be a miracle of mercy. If they lean to their own wisdom, as so many thus situated have done, their wisdom will prove to be foolishness. But while they shall give themselves unselfishly to the work of God, never swerving in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about them the everlasting arm and will prove to them a mighty helper. “Them that honor Me, I will honor.” {4T 538.1}

In the time in which we are living, the dangers that beset the people of God today are that if you have skills and ability, that will set you on a path of extreme danger to become proud, self-assertive, leading you to think, I can stand on my own, I don’t need anybody, I can’t do it all myself. These are strong traits of character that need to be constantly repressed. “If kept under the control of the Spirit of God, these traits will be a blessing.”

A Cruel, Self-Willed Legacy

How did that inheritance affect the tribe of Benjamin in the past?

Judges 20:4 And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that [belongeth] to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge. 5 And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, [and] thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead.

A cruel behaviour; they were lynched by the Benjamites.

Judges 20:12 And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you? 13 Now therefore deliver [us] the men, the children of Belial, which [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel.

Here comes the council from the rest of Israel to the Benjamites. This was in the days of the Judges, even before King Saul came about. But now, as the tribes came there to try and bring justice about, how did the Benjamites react?

Judges 20:13 …But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel: 14 But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Can you see the full-blown condition of the Benjamite attitude? Self-assertive, full of their own opinion, full of pride, and passionate, as we saw a child can become. But by this time they are men, and this nature is coming forth.

Judges 20:23 (And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)

So now they went up against the brothers, the Benjamites who were so cruel;

Judges 20:46 So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

Twenty five thousand slain, because they would raise their arrogant attitude against their own brethren, when it was already proven to them that what had been done to the Levite’s companion was so cruel.  But they said, No, we’re not going to bend to any suggestion. They were going to fight no matter what. This is a cruel characteristic. As Jacob prophesied, Benjamin would be avenging as a wolf. This is a perfect illustration of that.

These cruel characteristic came to light in the life of King Saul. Saul was a Benjamite. When he was chosen to become a king, he was a very honourable man. But he had something in him, because of his great capability, that made him headstrong.

1 Samuel 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. … 21 And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

He was chosen, so Samuel pointed out to him, You are to be the one to rule; and Saul said, I’m a Benjamite! I’m too small and weak. He had a very good attitude, a humble attitude.

1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured [it] upon his head, and kissed him, and said, [Is it] not because the LORD hath anointed thee [to be] captain over his inheritance?

The Lord anointed him.

1 Samuel 10:9 And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. 

Saul became a converted man, another man; he had a new heart. He needed that; but did he have Benjamite flesh? Very early in the piece King Saul showed himself already in the position of vulnerability according to his human Benjamite self.

1 Samuel 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on. 17 And Samuel said, When thou [wast] little in thine own sight, [wast] thou not [made] the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?

When thou wast little in thine own sight – but what was the problem with Benjamite people? They were so capable; they had that ingredient of being a petted child. So now there was this pride arising, and no longer was he in that attitude of humility.

1 Samuel 15:18 And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. 19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD? 20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal.

Saul was told to destroy entirely the nation of the Amalekites, but he decided to keep the king and some of the flock. And the way he wriggled himself through all that shows that he had his own opinion against God’s own word. And as a result he ultimately lost his kingdom.

Years later, when Saul and David were together, and as David was playing music for him,

1 Samuel 18:11 ….Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall [with it]. And David avoided out of his presence twice.

Here you see the passionate attitude of Benjamin coming through. This man Saul hated David, although he used to praise him for what he was. But he had become jealous and envious, and he was cruel; he was going to kill David.

There is a condition inside of the Benjamite people that we are to learn from. This is their problem, their condition, but God attempts to arrest them from this downward course. He is trying to save them among the 144,000. To ensure that they can be, this is what He does:

God’s Purpose

There are many whom He has called to positions in His work for the same reason that He called Saul,–because they are little in their own sight, because they have a humble and teachable spirit. In His providence He places them where they may learn of Him. To all who will receive instruction He will impart grace and wisdom. It is His purpose to bring them into so close connection with Himself that Satan shall have no opportunity to pervert their judgment or overpower their conscience. {2BC 1017.3}

Because they already have that in the flesh God is there to work with them.

He will reveal to them their defects of character, and bestow upon all who seek His aid, strength to correct their errors.{2BC 1017.3}

So what will God do? He will reveal the defects of the character. Even though He has chosen them to be His instruments they have defects of character; they need to be corrected, and God is going to do that with them, like He was trying to do with Saul.

Whatever may be man’s besetting sin, whatever bitter or baleful passions struggle for the mastery, he may conquer, if he will watch and war against them in the name and strength of Israel’s Helper. {2BC 1017.3}

Among the 144,000, in the tribe of Benjamin, there is a character defect of being smart, capable, and using it to boost up my own ego and be self-deceived, full of pride and arrogance, and being passionate about someone who doesn’t agree with me. This character defect is there, but God wants to use that person, so what does He do? And when God does this to us, remember this story.

It is His purpose to bring them into so close connection with Himself that Satan shall have no opportunity to pervert their judgment… He will reveal to them their defects… {2BC 1017.3}

Don’t expect a beautiful, comfortable ride with God because He has chosen you to be among the 144,000. Don’t expect things to be smooth and easy. What will He do? He will reveal your defects of character and bestow upon you, and bestow upon all who seek His aid, strength to correct their errors. So as He shows us our defects we are to let Him reveal them to us and give us strength to meet it.

Little Sins

The children of God should cultivate a keen sensitiveness to sin. Here, as well as elsewhere, we should not despise the day of small things. It is one of Satan’s most successful devices, to lead men to the commission of little sins, to blind the mind to the danger of little indulgences, little digressions from the plainly stated requirements of God. {2BC 1017.3}

Can you see it with Saul? A little digression, just a little one, not to do exactly what God is saying. This is what Satan wants, and that is what God wants us to conquer.

Many who would shrink with horror from some great transgression, are led to look upon sin in little matters as of trifling consequence. But these little sins eat out the life of godliness in the soul. {Ibid.}

These trifling things eat out godliness.

The feet which enter upon a path diverging from the right way are tending toward the broad road that ends in death. {2BC 1017.3}

This is what happened to Saul. And I often marvel at Saul in contrast to David. Did Saul do great evils in contrast to David? David did something far more serious; but Saul’s sins were so small that they were eating out his godliness, so that ultimately he lost his kingdom and his life.

But we want to conclude with another Saul from Benjamin, by which we can see that this characteristic of cruelty, of smartness and capability, was conquered. Here we have a Benjamite with Benjamin cruelty,

Saul of Tarsus

Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison. 

This was Saul.

Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

He was out there to get the Christians at Damascus, but as he journeyed he came face to face with Jesus.

Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Here is this cruel man, full of himself, going to do damage to the church, and God wanted to stop him. Observe his pride and skill turned into something better. Let us see what God did with him through the power of the gospel, that can happen to us as well. This is the full description of the change that took place in this Benjamite:

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

According to the flesh Paul was just like a Benjamite, but he says here that through Jesus we no longer go by that;

Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

Here is Benjamin speaking. “I’m the best.”

Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

“I’m the best.” Benjamin, full of arrogance; and with such a strong flesh, with all its strong overtures and passions that he demonstrated as a cruel persecutor of God’s people; what happens?

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

This person, having become a thorough Christian and having had a change of heart, look at what he says he has to do every day:

1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

What does he do?

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The Benjamite had a battle to fight. According to the flesh he was the greatest, but he made himself of no reputation. He kept under his body; he controlled and brought his body, which is those strong passions of the flesh, under subjection. And as he did this, when he was dying, he could then say, I have fought the good fight, I have gained the victory.

Can a Benjamite with such powerful fleshly passions be among the 144,000? Whatever passions arouse inside of you, never think, I’m not going to make it! I can conquer like Saul/Paul. So whatever passions are there, however strong, here is a wonderful hope in regards to the Benjamite tribe; look at what a victorious description is given here of the Benjamite:

Deuteronomy 33:12 [And] of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; [and the LORD] shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

God shall dwell between Benjamin’s shoulders. What is between your shoulders? The heart. He will dwell in his heart. This is what happened to Apostle Paul; the Lord dwelt in his heart. And this is possible for all who have these characteristics of Benjamin, those strong passionate urges that have been installed by a petted childhood, or by skill and capabilities. Are you a perfectionist, very skilful in all you do? and you can see all the wrongs that the people are doing around you, because you are so astute and so smart? These are all the characteristics that God can change by His wonderful mercy. And these people, the tribe of Benjamin, are recorded as a part of the 144,000, along with all the other tribes.

Revelation 7:8 …Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Twelve thousand is a lot of people from a tribe that was so cruel, and that wouldn’t even listen to their brethren to correct their wrong. This is the final tribe.

May God give us courage as we study these experiences so that whatever we meet that we can identify with in these tribes, we may know that this does not have to destroy us. May the Lord bless these thoughts to us, that we will be people who will be like Paul himself, when he said, I regard all my capabilities according to the flesh as dung before the Lord.

Amen