Mission Devotional Day 31
A multitude that no one could count
Mission Devotional Day 31
READ: Revelation 7:9-12
The Scottish mission historian Andrew Walls writes, “Perhaps the most striking single feature of Christianity today is the fact that the church now looks more like that great multitude whom none can number, drawn from all tribes and kindreds, peoples and tongues, than ever before in its history.” Walls of course is referring to this text from Revelation.
I am a bit wary of folks who contend that they’ve got the Book of Revelation all figured out, but even among such reluctant interpreters as me, there are places where the significance of the verses comes breaking through with clarity. What we see here is nothing less than the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abram that through him all the peoples of the world would be blessed! And in this glimpse of heaven, John describes how all peoples are gathered around the throne shouting, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Gardner Taylor, a famous Black Baptist pastor in Brooklyn who died in 2015 used to say that the message of Revelation is “God wins.” One could also say “God’s mission is fulfilled.” Thinking back over the texts and themes we have covered, how would you describe in your own words what God’s mission is?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I have to confess that sometimes I am very concerned about things going on in the world. Remind me of the promises in your word. Deepen my trust and faith in you. Grant me peace and enable me to share with others the good news of your love and to show your justice through the way that I live. Through Christ the Lord, Amen.