December 16, 2016 - THE GREAT MULTITUDE

Day 351 - Revelation Friday (7-11) 

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”  (Revelation 7:9 ESV)

This heavenly multitude is made of people from every conceivable background. These are the ones declared holy and fit for heaven because they have been cleansed in the blood of the blood of the Lamb. John describes further how their / our eternal existence will differ from what we experience now:

“Therefore 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. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17 ESV)

At church we often say, “the best is yet to come.” For the residents of heaven, the best truly has come! The hymn writer captures this contrast in stanza 4 of “For All the Saints.”

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!  
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. 
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And then he captures a glimpse of heaven’s countless host with the final stanza.

8. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, 
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:  
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #677)

Heavenly Father, thank You for including me in the great multitude because of the faith You have given me in my Savior, Jesus. Please accept my eternal alleluias and praise to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf