Foretaste of the Future

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. Revelation 7:9

Writing from the island of Patmos to seven churches, the elderly apostle John is both pastor and poet. He writes metaphorically, allegorically, apocalyptically, and in everyday terms. The book of Revelation is mysterious and often confusing! But John’s letter is grounded in the history of the early church’s expansion, the realities of persecution, and in his deep and abiding love for Jesus.

This once brash, boisterous “son of thunder” who wanted to rule at Jesus’ right hand with his brother James was also known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He writes of his visions, dreams, warnings, and exhortations; and his words are not only for the early church, but for every epoch of church history, including ours. The letter is a mysterious and sometimes scary reminder that trial and tribulation will be a part of the Christian experience (from the brutality of Nero in the early church to the most persecuted century of Christendom today that includes Iran, North Korea, and ISIS).

John reminds us that Christ’s ultimate victory will include a new creation and a multitude of worshippers from every tribe, tongue, and nation. In the midst of trial, suffering, and outright persecution, Jesus will emerge as the ultimate victor and will wipe away every tear (Rev 21:4). The final triumph of God’s redeemed and saved people—the Church—will be a multicultural gathering of worshipers that will be a dazzling array of linguistic, cultural, and ethnic beauty.

Until then, we live in anticipation of that future reality. The Church, this community of reconciled human beings, ultimately points others to Jesus, the King and Lord over all of creation. Author Craig Keener reminds us that the victor, God’s conquering lion (Rev 5:5), turns out to be a slain lamb who is victorious by offering himself to suffer for truth and righteousness. He is the one to whom all glory, honor, and worship is due.

This does not trivialize the suffering, persecution, and pain of our present-day world, but it reminds us of the hope when all things will be reconciled and God’s people from all epochs, tribes, tongues, and nations will worship him as one.

Tom Keppeler

PONDER: Read and contemplate the prayer on the facing page. Make it your own.

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A Prayer for Humanity

O God, you made us in your own image
and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:
Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion
to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Book of Common Prayer