December 29 (Daily reading: Revelations 6-11) As I have gotten older, I have become increasingly captivated by thoughts of heaven. I hear what Paul said: “Keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). When I read Revelations, I do not try to answer all the questions about the events of the last times, as I did when I was younger. I look instead at the realities of what is revealed, of what I know is true, and what awaits me in heaven.
Revelations 7:9-19 describes a great multitude of people who have come out of the tribulation. We learn some key truths about heaven from these verses. First, this innumerable multitude is made up of people “from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages.” We will all be “standing before the throne and before the Lamb” together, regardless of our race, language, culture, or worldview. What we will have in common is our relationship to the “Lamb,” indicated by “white robes.” “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” The “blood of the Lamb” refers to Christ’s blood shed on the cross. The multitude will be made up of those who believe in Jesus, the Lamb of God, and they will sing: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
There will be endless worship in heaven: “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” No one there will be in need of anything: “They will no longer hunger nor thirst…for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
– Al Gary
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