The 144,000 are said to be "firstfruit" (however, WE / "the Church WHICH IS HIS BODY" are not the "main harvest" OF THAT).
There is more than ONE "harvest" in both Scripture and in nature.
James 1:18 says "a KIND of firstfruit" (meaning, again, there is more than ONE "firstfruit"... and indeed this is what we see in Lev23, where TWO DISTINCT "firstfruit" are referred to).
The "WHEAT" is harvested by means of a "tribulum" (harvesting implement);
whereas the EARLIER harvest, by means of "tossing UP INTO THE AIR" (and BLOWING away the chaff).
[each having its OWN "firstfruit" ]
*WE* are not the "WHEAT" harvest.
One thing that messes many folks up is the phrase: "the kingdom OF THE heavenS" (which does NOT mean "UP IN Heaven"... but is EARTHLY-LOCATED, and relates to "the promised and prophesied EARTHLY Millennial Kingdom" age).
There is more than ONE "harvest" in both Scripture and in nature.
James 1:18 says "a KIND of firstfruit" (meaning, again, there is more than ONE "firstfruit"... and indeed this is what we see in Lev23, where TWO DISTINCT "firstfruit" are referred to).
The "WHEAT" is harvested by means of a "tribulum" (harvesting implement);
whereas the EARLIER harvest, by means of "tossing UP INTO THE AIR" (and BLOWING away the chaff).
[each having its OWN "firstfruit" ]
*WE* are not the "WHEAT" harvest.
One thing that messes many folks up is the phrase: "the kingdom OF THE heavenS" (which does NOT mean "UP IN Heaven"... but is EARTHLY-LOCATED, and relates to "the promised and prophesied EARTHLY Millennial Kingdom" age).
Of course, the 144,000 are the firstfruits of Israel.
Perhaps the rapture of the church is the main harvest of the Gentiles.