Scripture: Revelation 7:2-17
As we prepare to observe All Saints’ Day the readings focus
us on the Last Day, salvation from death, and the everlasting life we have been
promised in Jesus. Revelation shows many things about the End, and has often
been used to frighten people about what is to come. This passage shows a more
comforting vision; a great number of people who are saved and who worship Jesus
in the heavenly throne room from many nation, tribe, peoples, and language. The
message for us today is that Jesus’ salvation is for all people, regardless of
where they come from, and that there will be a great number of people in
receive that salvation.
Teaching
Revelation is a letter that records a series of visions the
Apostle John had concerning God’s salvation and the End. The visions are highly
symbolic, and to read the literally is to misunderstand the message. For
instance, the 144,000 who were sealed. Does this mean there will only be
144,000 people in heaven? Certainly not. The number is symbolic. There were 12
tribes of Israel. Jesus had 12 disciples. 1000 was a huge number, used
similarly to how we might use “millions” or “billions.” 12x12x1000= 144,000. In
other words, a huge number of all the people who believed in God’s promise of a
Savior and the fulfillment of that promise.
It is also important to see the way that worship is
described in these passages. The great multitude stands before God’s throne and
before the Lamb, who is Jesus, proclaiming his praises. The elder identifies
the crowd as, “ones coming out of the great tribulation,” who have washed their
robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. We should see here that
Jesus’ salvation is central to worship, and that all believers of all times and
places share a common link in worship: We are in God’s presence together.
Life
Perhaps you were blessed to attend worship with parents,
grandparents, or others who were dear to you but who have now died and gone to
heaven. As we gather in this life – the great tribulation – for worship, we
gather with them in Jesus’ presence to proclaim how marvelous our Savior is.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have revealed that the people who will be
cleansed by Your blood will be a great multitude from all over. You comfort us
with this vision so we may face the great tribulations of life knowing that one
day we will be where You are and You will wipe every tear from our eyes.
Thank You for this amazing all-inclusive salvation. Thank
You that so many will be saved and cleansed.
Forgive us for our narrow vision of worship and for not
recognizing how great a multitude we are part of. Cleanse us with Jesus’ blood
for we still struggle with our sin in this time of trouble.
O Holy Spirit, keep us steadfast in faith in the midst of
this life’s tribulations so that we too may see what John has seen. Help us to
believe that we are part of that multitude even now, and increase our desire
for the day when we will see all Your people together in worship with our own
eyes. Amen.
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