As-salaamu Alayqoum w Rahmutallah

I've heard alot about these 144,000 people, apparently Hebrews (or Jews), 12,000 from each tribe of Israel, who, apparently are immune to the power of the beast and unaffected by the plagues that GOD rains down on the infidels.
My question also has a bit to do with the Rapture. I'm increasingly starting to think that we (Christians) will be on earth for the (or at least some) duration of GOD'S judgements that HE will use to punish the unbelievers.
So that my question can be put into context, let's just assume (and remember i'm not preaching, i'm asking a question) that the Rapture happens at some point during the Seven Bowls of GOD'S Wrath, or the Woes that plague the earth. i have no doubt that 144,000 will be immune to these catastrophies, but what about us? If we aren't raptured before the Tribulation, then will we be invulnerable or at least protected from these plagues? In the same way, is it possible that this Tribulation will be somewhat in comparison to the story of the 10 Plagues on Egypt, where the Egyptians and the Egyptian Empire were ruined by the plagues brought upon them, but the Israelites were untouched?
I'm open to the possibilty of us being "caught up in the clouds with Jesus" by means of martydom or mass genocide, but why would GOD allow HIS followers to die in judgements meant for the infidels??????

(Note- if any of my information is incorrect, please correct me
and once again, i'm not trying to preach anything, i'm simply asking a question)

w Alayqoumu Salaam

I was watching something on tv last night and it got me thinking about the sealing of the 144,000 and their ministry.

After Christs ascension the people didn't recognise him until after he opened their eyes. Then they where given power at Pentecost.

I wondered if this might be a type for the 144.000 Jews that will be sealed and then begin to witness to the entire world as did the apostles in the New Testament. So just like the eyes of the early church had to be opened to the resurrected Christ it makes me wonder if the Jew will have to have their eyes opened after the resurrection of the saints..... 40 mysterious days. humm

This would fit with the latter rain and former rain scenario... The latter being greater because instead of 12 there are 12,000 from each tribe.... I'm excited about this understanding. I think it was from the Lord.

Some of the 144,000 are first century saints who are dead awaiting the resurection from the dead at Christ's return. Few are end time saints but will be resurrected and caught up to meet the lord in the air at His return. These 144,000, even though God has grafted most of them into the twelve tribes, are redeemed from the earth out of every nation tribe and tongue. They will judge the nations and then rule with Christ from mount zion on earth for a thousand years. The end time saints are immuned to the great tribulation because they live by the power of God which is faith in God.

9 For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."

6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads.

2 Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.




Charlie

Chapter 7 introduced the 144,000, and the 14th chapter gives more details about their identity. Verses 1-5 give a nine-point description of them standing before God’s throne as “the firstfruits” (vs. 4) of God’s kingdom.

As when He protected Israel from the plagues of Egypt, God often protects His servants. you will see in the next chapter that the seven last plagues will soon be poured out on the earth. The 144,000 are with Christ in His kingdom, and are therefore protected from these terrifying last plagues.