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Hear the devotional: https://bit.ly/3QFNsyj
View the devotional: https://bit.ly/3SntXvD
Hear a classic from WrinklesandPimples.org, on Romans 8:31ff: https://bit.ly/3QBuuJe
9 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.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” 13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ (Revelation 7:9-17 NIV Bible)
A most blessed and sacred All Saints Day for you, dear Friend. May we remember that our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithful living a life like Jesus makes us a saint now; may we take seriously our call to follow Him with love and devotion.
A comedian fresh from Bible College said, "If you're worried about diversity in Heaven, don't worry - you won't be making it there anyway." Ouch. Truth hurts. For as long as I can remember and as many sermons I have heard in my life from so many different preachers, everyone, when preaching on this passage, have said that Heaven will be filled with people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, etc. but whose names have been written in the Book of Life because this passage conveys that truth. Several from our church about three years ago had the rare privilege of stepping inside the cave on the Isle of Patmos where John had the vision that gave him this book. Our tour guide said that when Jesus spoke to John, Jesus' voice cracked the ceiling in two, forming a cross on the ceiling. Sadly, photographs of this sacred space were not allowed and our memories recorded what beautiful images that place gave us as we heard the faith of that guide speak of how John was blessed with a vision of the coming Lord and His will to take us to be with Him in glory. Hear this with the same trembling fear of that ancient disciple as he first heard it, and with the same excitement that defeated his fear and shared with him hope of the coming place that will know no end and several other awesome realities.
This picture of Heaven as shared by John is a scene that transcends time and space, where a vast multitude, too numerous to count, gathers before the throne of God. These are people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. The diversity of humanity is beautifully represented, reminding us that God's salvation is universal and inclusive. It is that very salvation that we have heard preached, or some of us have preached, about God's love.
What stands out in this heavenly gathering is the image of people wearing white robes and holding palm branches. These white robes symbolize purity and the righteousness granted to believers through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The palm branches are symbols of victory and celebration, signifying that these individuals have overcome through their faith. All things on earth were overcome by the power of God. The voices of the multitude resound with a declaration: "Salvation belongs to our God!" It's a reminder that our salvation is a gift from God alone, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It has overcome death and all that death brings with it, and we have entered that sacred realm where there will be no more tears.
As we reflect on this passage, we are encouraged to see the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan, where people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and languages find their place before the throne. In God's presence, there is unity, peace, and an end to suffering. The Lamb, who is Christ, is not only the Savior but also the Shepherd who leads us to living water and wipes away every tear from our eyes. Those things on earth that caused our weeping and mourning have been removed because they were defeated.
In a world marked by divisions and conflicts, this vision of heavenly unity and peace reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. It calls us to live out the values of love, inclusivity, and reconciliation in our daily lives. We are called to be ambassadors of God's universal salvation, sharing the good news and extending His love to all people. If we seek to divide or to encourage those who would make separation a reality in our worship, our fellowship, or in any sense, they may not make it to Heaven; for ours is a faith guided and driven by the power of love. Make it your priority to live a life that loves ALL people.
PRAYER: Loving God, we stand in awe of the vision of heaven's multitudes from every nation and the Lamb who leads us to springs of living water. We thank you for your universal salvation and the victory we have in Christ. Help us to live as agents of your love and peace in a world often marked by division. May we extend your invitation of salvation to all, so that one day, we may join the heavenly chorus in worship. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Love all people now with the hope that one day we will all be together forever.
Receive my love for you, and tha thanksgiving I offer up to God for you,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
