“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, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-10)
The biblical book of Revelation outlines visions of the end times. It tells of various disasters and judgments that will strike the earth, but also of the future of the church with God in heaven and, ultimately, together with Him on the new earth. Christians can look forward to this with deep longing, especially when life is difficult or when we risk becoming discouraged in our struggle against sin.
In Revelation 7, an impressive image is painted of a countless multitude from all nations bringing praise to God together. Differences in language, culture, place, and time no longer matter; nothing disrupts their unity. Yet, it is not their being together that takes center stage, but God Himself: He who sits on the throne, and Jesus, the Lamb of God who sacrificed Himself to save this great multitude.
This vision was given to encourage millions of believers throughout all ages and across the world. It reminds them that they are not alone. There is a God in heaven who never leaves them, and there is a global community of believers with whom they are united in Christ.
Does the vision from Revelation 7 resonate with you? What part of it touches you the most?