The Great Multitude in White Robes

DAILY READING

Revelation 7:9-17

REFLECTION

The Testimony of the Communion of Saints

by Dan Kidd

I find myself wondering how and why John could be so scant on details. John witnessed with his eyes the blessed priesthood of believers, finally and forever unified as they’d always been intended—and, also, magnificently distinct in who they were uniquely made to be—sewn together like a vibrant, living, breathing, swaying, and singing quilt. Joined alongside them were “all the angels.” After seeing all this, John gives us only what seems to be the fewest details allowable. John, this is the glory of glory—the united chorus upon the resolution of all the divisions between ourselves and God and one another—and you’re sticking to “just the facts, ma’am?”

On the other hand, how could John, or anyone, sufficiently illustrate a moment like that? Truth be told, there are some events so profound, so complex, overwhelming, head-spinning, or electrifying that words—even the most splendid, prosaic, illustrative words—fail to adequately convey the experience. I could describe to you some of the emotions I felt, thoughts I had, and sights I saw on occasions like my wedding day, my son’s birth, our baptisms, or even at my grandparents’ funerals. Even the bulkiest vernaculars and most agile phrase turners shore short on events like these. So, perhaps John is wise to keep his words brief, in hopes that our imaginations will do the rest. 

But even if we struggle to see this scene in our mind’s eye, let us hear, as clearly as we can, the witness about this crowd,

“they are before the throne of God

    and serve him day and night in his temple;

and he who sits on the throne

    will shelter them with his presence.

‘Never again will they hunger;

    never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat down on them,’

    nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne

    will be their shepherd;

‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’

    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'^”

This is the testimony about those who came out of the great tribulation. And what have they to say? 

“Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb.”

Let us hear, with ears to hear, this testimony today!

As hard as it might be to imagine this, I think it would do our souls good to try. And for those of you who, like me, might have some trouble imagining what this scene may have been like, I invite you to spend about 9 minutes witnessing and hearing a chorus of praise from around the world; a taste of what the Kingdom will someday be in full.

PRAYER 

Christ Jesus, I confess with full communion of saints, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Holy Spirit, lead me to repeat this in my heart throughout the day.

The Great Multitude in White Robes

The end of Revelation 7 makes the meaning of the rest of the readings this week more clear – there is a promised rest and salvation for the persecuted church. All believers look forward to the promise of heaven and a restored creation, and in this picture, we see special attention paid to those who suffered (faced tribulation) for their faith. All those (and there have been so many) throughout history who have lost their lives for Jesus are spoken of here. As you read, ask yourself, would you risk your life in devotion to Jesus? Is there something (maybe something other than your literal life) that He is asking you to give away for His sake?

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

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REFLECTION

A Lamb on the Throne

By Jennifer Jerrome

There are 31 references to “the Lamb” throughout the book of Revelation – three of them within today’s passage. The fact that the Lamb is at the center of the throne is not to be overlooked. 

Who would have thought of a lamb as king?  Many at the time expected, and would have preferred, a lion. They imagined the King to be ruthless and unforgiving, defeating all enemies. A lion is a natural leader - it commands attention. Lambs, on the other hand, are considered docile and require a shepherd to guide them. 

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water (v. 17).

The Lamb IS the shepherd. He is one of them. He’s not some out of touch stranger who rules with ferocious authority. He is among the people, living with them. He knows what they desire and can provide it. 

Jesus needed to be a lamb among lambs.  Who better to lead the flock than one of their own? May we take comfort in the fact that Jesus was a humble man sent to “wipe away every tear” and he did it with compassion, not loud roars, and the gnashing of teeth.

Thank you, Father, for sending your Son to live among us, to become one of us and show us the way.  May we open our hearts to your message and serve as a shepherd for those thirsty for living water.  Amen

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - FRIDAY

FAITH - Pray for faith instead of fear, that many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.

Love Letters

Revelation 7:17 (NIV)
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Interesting, the Lamb is now the Shepherd. I never thought of this before. The youth, the young ram has taken over as leader and protector, guard and guide. What is he guarding, who is He leading? The great multitude in white robes; those who survived the tribulation with their faith secure; it is you and I. At least, that is what my heart is telling me.

Many avoid the Book of Revelation saying it is too hard to understand or it paints a picture to scary for me to embrace. Once we have an understanding of the purpose of this book, we view it differently. Revelation is a love letter to us from God. It is a note from the Bridegroom to His Bride. A victory letter to those who have survived the Great Tribulation. What is the tribulation? Life Application Bible Notes explains it this way:

"The great tribulation" has been explained in several ways. Some believe it refers to the suffering of believers through the ages; others believe that there is a specific time of intense tribulation yet to come. In either case, these believers come through their times of suffering by remaining loyal to God. Because they remain faithful, God will give them eternal life with him"

This is a promise we can all embrace; a certainty that give us courage to face tomorrow and wisdom to persevere through today.

Revelation 7:9-17