It’s always thrilling to watch a great celebration. People are shouting out in joy and happiness. Often there is celebratory music being played, and perhaps even a parade at the beginning of the festivities. Watching such events is exciting, but it is even more special if you are taking part in such an event, if you are a part of the celebration. Our Scripture today from the Book of Revelation gives us another glimpse of some visions that the Apostle John had of events that will take place shortly before the glorious return of the Lord Jesus to earth.
John had recently witnessed the opening of the seven seals, and seen what events each one had brought forth. Now John is witnessing a great multitude gathered together, and who are singing praises to the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God. These people in white robes are celebrating. They are ecstatic. The white robes are what one would wear to a victory celebration. And the same with waving palm branches. Today we might wave flags or light sparklers. The people are happy and are shouting out. This is Jesus’ victory celebration. Today we might have a ticker-tape parade down the main street of the city. I remember how excited and joyous my hometown of Chicago was in 2016 when our Cubs baseball team won the World Series that year, our first in 108 years! There was a major victory parade, and then a major celebration at a large park near downtown. However, that is nothing compared to the celebration that we see for the Lord Jesus in this Scripture!
As our Scripture opens, we read of a great multitude of people, too numerous to count, which are from every country, every nationality, and speaking every language known (vs. 9). These are believers who are assembled before God’s throne, giving praise to the Lamb of God, Jesus. This shows that salvation has been offered to everyone. No group or nationality is more favored, and none are left out. All are welcome to come to Jesus for salvation.
We see that these believers are dressed in white robes. These white robes symbolize their purity and righteousness. We might wonder which of any of us could possibly say that they were pure and righteous enough to wear a pure white robe? It is not our purity or righteousness that merits such an honor, it is the Lord Jesus’. When we were saved, He gave us His righteousness, which was granted to us through the sacrificial Blood which He shed on the cross.
As we read in verse 14, the robes are made totally white by being washed in the Blood of the Lamb. Who would ever think that washing something in blood would make it white?? In addition to being rather repulsive, washing something in blood would leave stains of its own, and blood stains are not the easiest to get out of clothing, especially something white. Blood is definitely not a bleaching agent. However, the Blood of Jesus can cleanse every spot and stain of sin. When we come to Him in faith, accepting Him as our own personal Savior, His shed Blood cleanses and forgives us of all of our sins.
The celebration continues as the multitudes, along with the angels, and other angelic beings such as the elders and four living creatures (which we met last week), gather around the throne (vs. 11-12). They bow before the Lord Jesus, singing out His praises, and acknowledge His power and glory. Some may not willingly wish to do so now, but there is coming a day when all people will ultimately bow before God, affirming His supreme authority.
One angel asks John a rhetorical question, asking if he knows who this large group of people are. (vs. 13-14). The angel answers his own question by telling John that they are the ones who have come out of the Great Tribulation. Shortly before Jesus returns to earth to set up His millennial kingdom there will be a time of terrible tribulation. Persecution against believers will be the worst that it has ever been since the days of the early church, and many will be tortured and martyred.
However, we are not without hope! Jesus, who is seated upon His throne, will dwell with His believers, those who have sacrificed for Him, especially those who have given their lives for Him (vs. 15). God promises to shelter His people, removing all suffering, hunger, and thirst. This is not just wishful thinking, but a literal promise of God, where He will bring us eternal peace and joy in heaven, wiping away every tear (vs. 16-17).
As Christians, we can be reassured that no matter what hardships we face, we are destined for eternal glory. While there is still time, we should urgently spread the Gospel message in order to ensure that more people have the chance to hear about Jesus, turn to Him and be saved before it is too late. We never know when He will call His children home, and those who do not know Him will face the final judgment.
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