“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” Revelation 7:9-10 (NKJV)
If you are ever in Phoenix, AZ, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is a thoroughly enchanting place to visit. The Mechanical Music Gallery on the first floor includes a restored calliope, displays showcasing John Lennon’s piano, and a section dedicated to Johnny Cash and other popular artists. On the second floor, you will find the Geographic Galleries, where you can discover instruments from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania, Latin America, Europe, and North America. The instruments are fascinating in themselves, but what is particularly engaging are the videos that show the native peoples playing them. Often, during celebrations, they are clothed in colorful festive attire as they dance and sing.
Today’s passage is about another multicultural experience in a future time. We can imagine this multitude–we don’t know how many it is, but it's a large number comprised of all the devoted followers of Yahweh since the beginning of time. They are from every continent and every ethnic group, and some speak languages passed long ago. Though they come from different periods and speak previously unknown languages to all those gathered, they are united. They are all clothed in pure white robes, worshipping in the same way; they cry out in exhilaration, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”.
It may be hard for us to imagine such a place. This is not the reality in this earthly realm, so visualizing God’s Kingdom is very challenging. In our present reality, it is the norm to allow differences in cultural backgrounds, physical appearances, personal experiences, political affiliations, and many other things to separate us. Even within Christ’s Church–the way I read the Bible, there’s only one (one body, one bride)—God help us, we allow our doctrine to separate us.
But in Jesus Christ, our eyes are opened to the potential. Yes, to that day sometime in the future when we are gathered in that multitude praising God, but also in the here and now. We are awakened from our sinful slumber to see beyond the world's faults to what God wishes it to be. In partaking in Communion, we receive a foretaste of God’s Kingdom of the future and the Kingdom that has arrived. By the Holy Spirit, we are inspired, empowered, and strengthened to live now as we are already in the future.
As we go through the day bombarded by Satan’s messages of division and discord, let us remember the vision of unity that God assures us. Let us strive to bring a piece of that heavenly harmony into the here and now as we embrace the diversity that reflects God's beautiful creation. May we live in anticipation of the day when all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues will stand together before the throne, united in worship and love, crying out with one voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”.
Gracious and Loving God, We thank You for the beautiful vision of unity You have given us through Your Word. Please help us to see beyond our differences and to embrace the diversity that enriches our lives. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live out the values of Your Kingdom in our daily interactions. May we be instruments of Your peace and love, reflecting the harmony we will one day fully experience in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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