October 30, 2015
Instruction
Scripture: Revelation 7:2-17
The Book of Revelation is full of strange images and symbols
which are intended to comfort those who read this book with the message that
God saves His people from the disasters and evils of this world. In this
particular reading the earth is preserved in the proclamation of the angel
until God’s servants are sealed. That is to say that the end of the world is
held off until every person who will be saved comes to faith. Even more
comforting is the news that the number of the saved will be great indeed. This
leaves us with an image for All Saints’ Day of a great multitude in heaven who
have been rescued from death.
Teaching
There will be a great many people in heaven. John saw a
multitude that no one could number from every nation, from all tribes and peoples
and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They are clothed
in white because they have been cleansed in Jesus’ blood and their sins no
longer stain them. They carry palm branches as a sign of victory – victory over
sin, death, and the world that tempted and persecuted them. There will be great
celebration and worship there in God’s presence because his salvation will no
longer be promised, but it will be fulfilled and complete.
Life
As we go through life we often face struggles and suffering
that are the result of the sinfulness of this world. This will not be the case
in heaven. As we think of the many, many, people who will be there, it is good
to also remember what God has promised us about our life there; what we will
enjoy. We will worship Him more profoundly and majestically than we ever have.
We will join in singing God’s praises with the angels. And God will eternally
protect us from all the things that brought us suffering in this life even as
He wipes every tear from our eyes, comforting us and leading us to everlasting
joy.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are
the Lamb Whose blood was shed to cleanse us of our sin and to provide atonement
for the sins of all. Because of You heaven will be filled with so many people
we cannot count them all. The day will come when we will gather with all the
angels and the saints who have gone before us to worship You in Your presence.
We do that even now, but then we will see it clearly and You will comfort us
with eternal joy.
Thank you for the salvation You won for us and for the
multitude of people from all over the world who believe in You. Thank you for
Your protection in this world and the privilege of worshipping You even now as
we await the day we can worship You face to face.
Forgive us, Lord, for our lack of patience during this life.
Forgive us for forgetting what wonderful things you have promised us. Forgive
us for the shallowness of our worship in this life and for times that we have
doubted how great Your salvation is even though we are among those who have
washed our robes and made them white in the blood You shed for us.
Grant that the day of Your glorious return would be soon,
Lord Jesus. Keep us mindful of Your protection in this life and Your promises
for the life to come. Indeed, You comfort us even now, yet we long for the
greater comfort of that Day. Keep us in the faith that glorifies You singing,
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and
might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
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