Tour of Revelation Pt. 7
The greatest debate in movie history is whether Jack could fit on the floating door that rescued Rose from the Titanic’s sinking. But even if he could get on it, the Titanic had one of the worst rescue plans in history. Women and children could be saved first, which meant men had to stay onboard and freeze to death. It’s heroic to give up your spot so that others may live, but the Titanic gets a major L for not preparing enough lifeboats. If only they could have included everyone.
Revelation 7:9-10 illustrates the kind of celebration heaven can host. This is a global party featuring guests from all nations, but they all have one thing in common: their love and adoration for Jesus. Jesus tried having this party in his earthly ministry. His followers waved palm branches and threw cloaks on the ground while he rode on a donkey. They thought he was going to be king then. Now, we have the entire world of faithful followers, decked out in white robes, singing in unison.
As Christians, we have more in common with other believers than people who live next to us. A Thai woman praying halfway across the globe has the same interests, loyalties, and life goals as you do. A priest from Russia has a deeper connection with your soul than close family members who don’t believe. One day, we will all meet to celebrate our unity in Jesus.
Christianity is global. It doesn’t categorize itself by race, economic class, or age group. It can’t be earned or gained as we sing “Salvation belongs to the Lamb.” Jesus’ victory covers every continent. Two thousand years ago, Jesus was celebrated by a handful of Jewish followers, but now his death and resurrection mean everyone can get in.
FIGURE IT OUT:
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 before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10
- Read the verses above and circle any words or phrases that are significant to you. Why did you pick those ones?
- What did the early followers have to do in order for Jesus’ message to spread across the world? Are we doing that today?
- What feelings and expectations do you have knowing that heaven will be full of people who look and speak different from you?
- Why is it important to connect with the global church today?