He Reigns
Bible reading
9 After this I looked, and 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. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
‘Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.’11 All the angels were standing round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, 12 saying:
‘Amen!
– Revelation 7:9-12 (NIVUK)
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honour
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!’
Devotional
I have been at several futebol matches since moving to Portugal 23 years ago and it is thrilling. I enjoy watching futebol on tv but to see it played in person, it’s a whole new level of fun! My favourite stadium is Benfica. I’m actually not a Benfica fan but I love the stadium… it’s massive! We went to a National game as a family and I was impressed, and a little afraid of the number of people that were filling the stadium with us. I couldn’t believe we all fit, but somehow, we did, and there were still empty seats. I found out during the game that there were over 50 000 people there. A lot of people, but still countable!
John is standing in the throne room of God probably a bit overwhelmed at this moment. Six of the seven seals have been opened and it’s been a frightening adventure. But before the seventh seal is opened, we are given another glimpse into the happenings of the throne room where Jesus, the Lamb, is in the centre. Starting in verse 9, John explains that, standing before him, in the throne room, was a great multitude that no-one could count! Where did all these people come from? And this is so exciting! They come from every nation, tribe, people and language. Heaven not only has everyone from everywhere, but they can also be identified that way! Culture and language and national identity aren’t wiped away in heaven, they are all represented, but they submit to their primary identity as Children of God.
All these people know the same song and start singing it at the same time. And the song this group sings isn’t just any song. It is focused on God and on Jesus, and the victory that has been won. Salvation – our salvation. Singing about Jesus, singing about the victory of the cross, there is no better song-material than this!
Whatever you sound like and in whatever style you like to sing, sing a new song today to Jesus. Join the great multitude and start the heavenly rehearsal of praise that tells the world: Salvation belongs to our Lord!
– Connie Main Duarte
This devotional is part of a series that helps us navigate the texts of the book of Revelation with fresh eyes. A new devotional every Saturday.
These devotionals are available in Portuguese and in English.