With Revelation 7:1, we hear of four angels ready to perform their task but must wait. John then sees another angel coming, “And I saw another angel ascending from the east.” He comes from the east, the side from which the sun rises, symbolizing God's goodness and mercy, renewed every morning. We think of Zacharias, who sings (Luke 1:78), “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.” That angel holds something in His hand: "having the seal of the living God." What or who will this angel mark with God’s seal? We will discover that in the next verse. Then we hear this angel cry out in a great voice to the four angels standing at the corners of the earth, ready to judge but still waiting: “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” (Revelation 7:3) That, then, is the reason that judgment is delayed. This is why we have been waiting for 2,000 years. The servants of God must each, one by one, be marked. Why? What is the purpose of a seal? A seal has a threefold effect. First, a seal indicates ownership. The Living God is going to mark people because they are His property. It concerns those who have been bought with Christ's blood—those who put their trust in the Lamb. Second, a seal indicates protection. What is sealed is protected. Think of the sealed tomb, where Jesus lay. Sealed, protected. The Living God protects those bought by Christ with His precious blood. However life unfolds, whatever troubles it brings, they are perfectly safe. Third, a seal is also a hallmark of authenticity. It signifies the saints' perseverance. What assurance does this give to believers who may lack certainty and are amid affliction. Those bought by Christ and under God's protection are and remain His children, forever. What comfort emanates from this sealing! The sealing is God's work and is firmly in His hands! How important it is for us to have faith in God’s electing work, Christ’s atoning work, and the Spirit's applying work. Let us trust the work and word of this Triune God.