After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!” Rev. 7:9-11 NLT
Dear heavenly Father, having just returned from two weeks of marinating in the gospel, and enjoying rich fellowship with 500+ friends committed to sharing the riches of your grace all over the world, John’s vision fills my heart with Technicolor-wonder, soul-focusing peace, and life-investing conviction.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for new-birthing us into this great pan-national family, captured in John’s vision. We are clothed in the white garments of Jesus’ perfect righteousness. We hold palm branches of praise, and shout with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”
All of history is bound up with your commitment to redeem your family from the nations, make all things new through Jesus, and usher in the fullness of your kingdom. This isn’t merely a possible, or even a probable “good outcome.” It’s your eternal plan, covenantal passion, and über delight. What a God you are… full of mercy, abounding in grace, mighty to save.
We worship you for making us both characters in your story (children of your affection), and carriers of it (servants in your kingdom). Forgive us for settling for less, demanding more, or choosing other. No matter our age-n-stage, renew our humble-zeal for living and loving to your glory.
Until Jesus’ returns, may gospel-centrality be our passion, boasting in our weakness be our norm, kingdom-prayer be our joy, and loving people be our delight. So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ powerful and loving name.