In the Book of Revelation, at the end of the Bible, there is a scene where multitudes beyond counting are gathered around the throne of the crucified and risen Lamb, worshiping day and night. It is a sign of God’s ultimate victory over evil and death. A close look at the scene gives us three insights that give shape to our hope.
First, we notice that the multitudes are engaged in worship. We can’t overstate how important worship is. In our worship of God, we are reminded of who God is and who we are. We learn once again of our dependence upon God. We learn once again that God can be trusted. We need to worship on a regular basis.
Second, we see that we worship in a multitude from every nation. It has been God’s plan, from the beginning, the salvation would extend to all people. The history of salvation began with one family, but grew to include all the families of the earth. We are a tribal species, and that is okay, but through God’s salvation we overcome the worst aspects of tribalism.
Third, we worship around the throne of the Lamb. It is not just that we worship, or who we worship with. We worship the one who went to the cross for our sake. We try to overcome evil in various ways. Nothing wrong with that. The lamb, however, overcame evil by being overcome by it, by submitting it, by absorbing it, and by emerging victorious over it.
Worship. With people of every nation. Gathered around the throne of the lamb. This gives shape to our hope. In our January 30 sermon we will talk about the hope we have for the end of the age, and how it informs our lives today.