How many languages are spoken today? About 7,000. God loves variety. Just take a look at all believers pictured in the book of Revelation as we worship in heaven. John observes: “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.” (Revelation 7:9).
Notice first of all a “great multitude.” No small crowd. These are all the believers who ever lived. It’s an uncountable multitude. God’s people gathered here are from every different social unit, from the largest (the nation) to the smallest (the tribe). The church includes people of all ethnic groups who all speak different languages.
So there is an incredible number and variety of believers “from every nation, tribe, people and language.” God loves variety.
Where were they standing? “Before the throne and before the Lamb.” God is the focus of worship. In heaven and on earth. The focus is not on the pastor. Not the band. Not the house of worship. Not the vibe. Not the worshipper. God is the focus.
We’re here to worship the God who sits on the throne. He’s the ultimate, without equal! He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He was pierced for our sins so we could live in his forgiveness, now and forever. Our eyes are more focused on him than a Switfy on Taylor Swift! We worship in awe!
“They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” A few verses later an angel tells us why their robes are white: “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).
The white robe symbolizes purity. It’s a robe that God himself prepares for us. And even though our skin colors and features may look a little different, God gives us all the same spotless white clothes.
What about the Palm branches? They are like symbols of victory. It reminds me of the Olympics when Simone Biles won the gold medal. She wrapped herself in an American flag—proclaiming the USA’s victory and her own personal victory.
God wraps his worshippers in victory.
And we are not at all being quiet about it! In worship we cry out with all believers, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (Revelation 7:10).
Praise declares what God the King and his son our Savior has done. God sits on the throne and reigns all things for our good! Jesus his Son conquered sin, death and the devil. He obliterated the enemy.
Jesus isn’t just the GOAT, he’s the Lamb. God fills our hearts with praise for saving us.
PRAYER: Jesus, I praise to you as more than the GOAT. You are the Lamb of God, sacrificed for the sins of the world, raised back to life to declare victory over all lies, fears, shame and despair! I want to worship you like it’s heaven! Amen.
WHO SAID THIS? Thanks to Pastor Rob for these words from his Sunday sermon at CrossLife Church. Listen to the full message here https://crosslifepf.org/messages/where-heavenly-worship-hits-the-road/
