Good Morning Friends,
“After this I looked and there before me was
a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and
language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were
wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they
cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.’ --- These are they who have come out of the great
tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of
the Lamb. 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 spread his tent over them.
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not
beat upon 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.” (Revelation 7:9-10; 14-17)
The people of God began with just a few. Before
the Day of Pentecost there were only 120 in the Upper Room and Jesus only appeared
to about 500 after His resurrection. But by the time we reach heaven that small
group will have grown into a great multitude that no one can count.
God’s people began among one nation and
language, among the Jewish people in a small corner of the world. The place
where the Kingdom started is smaller than Oregon. If Israel was located in
America it would be only a small state. But from that small beginning in a
remote corner of the world, God’s Kingdom will expand to include people from every
nation, every tribe, every people group, and every language. No group will be
excluded from those who worship God in heaven!
And what awaits the great multitude in heaven
--- what awaits you and me and all others who have come to Christ --- is a place
of unimaginable blessing. Heaven will be a place of worship, where we express
to God our gratitude for what He has done for us. Heaven will be a place of service
--- not hard labor --- but service to God that is meaningful. Heaven will be a
place of protection, God’s tent will be spread over us so that nothing can harm
us. Heaven will be a place of provision, all of our needs will be taken care of
God. Heaven will be a place of joy and comfort, there will be no tears -- God
Himself will wipe them away.
On earth, sometimes it seems that God’s
people are a small, insignificant group of people who have been pushed to the
margins of society. But the reality is that God’s people are a thriving multitude
of people from every age and place. One day we will all be gathered together
and what a glorious time and place that will be!
I’m looking forward to heaven!
His, by Grace,
Steve
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