The Song of All Nations

Beloved People of God,

Arriving at a defining passage for our church, Revelation 7, I am encouraged by the words of G.K. Beale & David Campbell:  “The focus of the revelation John received from God is how the church is to conduct itself in the midst of an ungodly world.” I don’t think it would come as a shock to anyone that we live in times marked more by humanism than holiness. No matter which channel you turn to, be it cable news, broadcast news or even a comedy channel, people are divided on every topic imaginable. We’ve become so busy fortifying our encampments against the opinions of others, we missed the Apostles’ calling exhorting, encouraging and charging us “to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory,” (1 Thessalonians 2.12).

Beloved, if we are offloading our calling for tomorrow in eternity instead of walking in the ways of Jesus today, we will be blind to the image of God in us and in others. When we dehumanize—and even demonize—those around us (yes, even our spiritual brothers and sisters!) we are failing to take to heart the prophetic and apocalyptic challenge of Revelation. John’s foretelling of tomorrow is meant to shape not only the way we see overmorrow but bring actionable vision for how we live today.

When we lift our eyes toward eternity, we don’t see a monochromatic mass or single tribe. No, we “behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb!” (Revelation 7.9). Together at the throne of God we will sing of salvation and bless Christ’s name forever! That, my friends, is something worth celebrating, and it’s worth celebrating today! So today, may you and I, as God's priesthood among the nations, “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” (Ephesians 4.1-3).

For His Name’s Sake,

Brett