After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10
Although it was more years ago than I would like to admit, my wife arranged for us to celebrate my 40th birthday with another couple at my favorite restaurant. I accepted the plan and prepared for a nice quiet evening at my favorite restaurant. So, that night, we arrived at our friends’ house to pick them up and head to the restaurant. We walked up to their front door and rang the bell.
When that door opened there was a loud shout, “SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” which came from an entire house full of people!
Countless faces, most of whom I hadn’t seen for many years, friends from my elementary and high school years, others from college, and from bands that I played in, as well as both former and present congregation members. Some had even flown across the country to enjoy the evening together.
I will never forget standing still in the front entryway of that house for 45 minutes just simply greeting one person after another and catching up on life and time gone by.
THERE, ON THAT EVENING AND IN THAT MOMENT, WE WERE ALL TOGETHER AGAIN.
At the end of that long evening, my heart was beyond full, it was overflowing. I thanked my wife and I told her, “I imagine this was a glimpse of what heaven will be one day.”
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
On that day, all who believe in Jesus will be together again. So many faces of the saints who have gone on before, each smiling and celebrating the chance to be together again. Oh, this is the sweetest moment of discipleship…the pinnacle party of following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and being committed to His Mission!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we know that in this world, death has caused a temporary separation between us and those that we love and those who have gone on before. And yet we recognize and we celebrate the gift of eternal life that You won for us at the cross. That gift is given to all those who believe and trust in You.
And one day, together with all the Saints, we will be gathered up together. All together in front of Your throne, and we look forward to the blessing of that day. Until then, Lord, continue to be with us and guide us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This is especially comforting as the last sibling of my childhood family was called home in the last several days. I rejoice that my sister is part of that cloud of witnesses and I hope to join and be with them as well when Jesus calls me home as well.
I do look forward to seeing those that will attend her celebration of life. And it is good to feel the support of family and friends as well.
Thank you.
I reed your posts most every day on my phone but never listen to your talk. But I did today & enjoyed it very much & I will be listening from now on. Thank you much.