Revelation: Future Hope. Present Confidence.

Revelation 7:9-17

Tom was a good friend and a follower of Jesus. One of his favorite topics to discuss was the end times. In fact, it was like a hobby for him. One day, when I visited Tom at his house, he took me to his office to see a “project.” On one wall, he had a corkboard filled with newspaper clippings about world events he believed proved the end was near. Tom is what I call a “newspaper theologian.” 

By referencing newspaper articles, you can infer that this interaction took place many years ago. Since then, three decades have passed; we have raised families, watched our children marry, and now have grandchildren. As we wait for Christ’s return, God expects us to carry on with life. 

The study of Revelation is rich and enlightening. God wants us to be ready for his Son’s return, and as his followers, we know that, in the end, we will win; still, we must remain engaged in the spiritual battles we face every day. As we examine future events, let’s remember our present responsibility of ongoing obedience. Having a certain hope for the future should strengthen our spiritual confidence so we continue to honor the God we will worship and serve forever. 

As we’ve seen so far, eternity will be an experience that cannot be put into words.

In the first part of Revelation 7, we see that God selected 144,000 Jewish believers for a specific purpose, sealing them to ensure their protection. They spread the good news about Jesus during the tribulation, and a “great multitude” of people respond. 

John says that he looked and saw “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Rev. 7:9). John noted that these people were standing before God the Father and God the Son. They were clothed in white robes representing their right standing before God.[1]

The multitude cried out in loud worship, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:10) The angels surrounding the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures “fell on their faces” and joined in the worship, saying:

Revelation 7:12
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen. 

As the joyful praise and worship continued, one of the twenty-four elders approached John and asked, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” (Rev. 7:13) When John asked for more details, the elder said, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 7:14). 

Washing a garment in blood does not make it white unless it is the “blood of the Lamb.” The “blood of the Lamb” is a figure of speech that describes the work of Jesus on our behalf, the blood symbolizing his death. He is the sacrificial Lamb who gave his life to pay the penalty for our sins. In his first letter, John writes that the “blood of Jesus…cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). In Revelation, John says that Jesus “freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev. 1:5). Paul tells the Roman believers, “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (Rom. 5:9).

Those who endured the great tribulation trusted in Jesus during the hardest times. They were martyred for their faith in Christ. But through Jesus's work, they were saved from the eternal wrath of God that will come upon those who have not trusted in Jesus. 

In Revelation 7:15-17, here’s how John describes those who have endured the tribulation and were ultimately put to death because of their faith.

• Now in heaven, they are before the throne of God, who loves them with an everlasting love.
• They serve the Lord without ceasing in the safety of their eternal home.
• God will protect them forever “with his presence.”
• Those who suffered through famine will never be hungry or thirsty again.
• They will never have to face the blazing heat of the sun or war and destruction again.
• Jesus will be their protector and shepherd. The Good Shepherd will guide them to “springs of living water.”
• “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

This passage describes those who will be put to death during the tribulation. God welcomes them home with his presence, protection, and compassion. What a beautiful picture of his love. And remember… the things that God promises in the future are also what we can experience today, and every day. 

Maybe today you are running yourself ragged with work, home, and all the challenges of life. Take a pause. Today, you can experience God’s presence, protection, and his love. 

Maybe today you’re afraid. Look up. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He will protect you and lead you to springs of living water for spiritual refreshment. 

Maybe today you're grieving. You've lost someone you love, and you miss them terribly. Let the heavenly Father who loves you beyond words wipe every tear from your eyes. 

God is unchanging and eternal. The God of today is the same as the God of tomorrow. You don’t need to cut out newspaper articles or digitally store a record of the world’s always-changing turmoil. One day, we will be in heaven with God Almighty. But right now, let him carry out his divine work in your life during your days on earth.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 7:9-17. Focus on God’s presence, protection, and love.

Talking to God: Where in your life right now do you most need to experience God’s presence, protection, or compassion?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond shortly. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

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