Our Scripture meditation is based on Revelation 7:9-12, from the First Reading for All Saints’ Day. For a meditation on the Epistle Lesson, click HERE.
[9] After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, [10] and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” [11] And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, [12] saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
This week we are blessed to prepare for All Saints’ Day, which is observed next weekend. In the worship services we will especially remember the brother and sisters in Christ of our congregations who were called to glory in the past year.
When it comes to All Saints’ Day, the passage from Revelation operates at a couple of levels. It is a reminder that God is faithful. The Lord, who creates and sustains faith in Christ, has made our deceased members part of the “great multitude that no one could number”. If our fellow church members who fell asleep in the Lord were in pain, their suffering has ended. If they were emotionally conflicted, they are now at peace.
This passage also motivates us to continue in the faith. While God is faithful, we can be unfaithful. Unrepentant sin can erode our faith in Christ. We can walk away from the faith by embracing false gods. These are reasons why it is so important for Christians to remain in community. In our local church we receive the gifts of God that strengthen our faith, whether through God’s Word or through Sacraments. Staying active in our churches provides us with brothers and sisters who come alongside us when we are struggling.
The day is coming when, by God’s grace, we will all join the great multitude crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
