mySundaySermons

Revelation 7:9-17
7:9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. 7:10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 7:11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 7:12 singing, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 7:13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” 7:14 I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 7:15 For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. 7:16 They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; 7:17 for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” [NRSA]

 

Introduction:

In our world, where divisions, disagreements, and disparities run rampant, John’s vision in Revelation provides us with a powerful image of hope. Today, we’ll dive into Revelation 7:9-17 to catch a glimpse of this majestic scene and uncover the profound messages it carries for us today.

 

1. A Vision of Variety (v. 9)

 

A Vast Multitude: This isn’t a select few but an uncountable multitude. It’s a rich vision where every group is represented.

 

From Every Nation: Heaven isn’t a monochrome place. It’s vibrant with colors, cultures, languages, and experiences.

 

Application: As a church, we typically rally around demographics that are comfortable to us, but the heavenly congregation reflects people of the world and people of different generations and different ages in time. It is important to see that heavenly worship might look and sound and feel differently from our own customs and traditions.

 

One of the gifts that comes with participating in missions work beyond our community is the opportunity to experience more of God’s People in the richness of our different expressions of worship.

 

The invitation is to see the worship is more than we make it out to be. As our voices and experiences are different, so are the fullness of praises in heaven.

2. The Shared Song of Salvation (v. 10)

 

Salvation Belongs to Our God: Despite their different backgrounds, the multitude sings in one voice, unified in their praise and recognition of God’s saving power.

 

The Collaboration of Angels and Humanity: Both angels and humans, all of creation, come together in worship. It’s a powerful reminder of the universal nature of God’s glory.

 

Application: Our worship and actions are to be reflective of this shared song. We deepen our understanding and celebration of God’s salvation when we share the core of our faith?

 

3. The Comfort for the Saved (v. 13-17)

 

The White Robes: These robes symbolize purity and righteousness, not because of human merit but because of the Lamb’s blood.  We are made whole through Christ.

 

No More Suffering: A world where there’s no hunger, thirst, or scorching heat – a promise of relief and eternal comfort.

 

The Lamb at the Center: Jesus, the Lamb, is at the heart of this heavenly scene, guiding, leading, and shepherding His people.

 

Application: In our moments of pain, distress, or uncertainty, we turn our eyes to the Lamb at the center of the thrown.

We anchor our hope in this eternal promise as the core of worship

 

Conclusion:

Revelation 7:9-17 is more than just a future promise; it’s a blueprint for our present. A call to embrace value that God calls us together, even in our differences, to join in the collective song of salvation, and to find comfort in the Lamb who shepherds us. As we anticipate this glorious future, may we also work towards reflecting this heavenly vision here and now.

 

Challenge: This week, seek out a way to celebrate and worship God and let your voice be heard and your actions known. We are called to (1) share the story of salvation, (2) offer comfort in the name of the Lamb, and (3) inch closer to making the vision of Revelation a reality in our community as we live out our daily worship.