“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10
This Sunday we will be celebrating International Sunday in our church, and we will have 30 different nationalities represented. It is always so amazing to see people march into the sanctuary carrying the flags of the country in which they were born. But can you just imagine this scene in heaven? A multitude so vast that we could not begin to count them; representing every country under heaven; spotless in character; victorious in their conflict with evil; ascribing all glory to the Lamb who had redeemed them.
Perhaps this scripture inspired a chorus we used to sing in Sunday School:
“A robe of white, a crown of gold,
A harp, a home, a mansion fair.
A victor’s palm, a joy untold,
Are mine when I get there.”
Verse 14 says, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Palm branches symbolize victory and the white robes, purity. The white robe of righteousness is theirs because the precious blood of Christ has washed away their sins, and they have followed Him faithfully. They may have suffered many things here on earth, many were persecuted, and many died for their faith. Now they stand in the presence of the One who gave His life to make their salvation possible and lift their voices in worship and praise.
“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:15-17
What a glorious day that will be. Doesn’t it make you want to be part of that great multitude? We do not know when it will take place, but we have an opportunity today to accept what Jesus has done for us, to repent of our sins, and to let His precious blood wash us white as snow. We can live faithfully for Him, knowing that our name is written in His book of life, and when He calls us, we are ready to go.
Prayer: Jesus, we know not the day nor hour when you will return for your people. None of us has any guarantee of tomorrow. Search our hearts today and help us to make our election sure.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
Comments are closed.