Revelation 7:9 – “I beheld and, lo, a great multitude…”
Heaven opens and through the spiritual eye of John we get a vision of the palm-bearing multitude before the throne of God…
The purpose of the vision is to prepare all people for their trials;
to draw faith and love and hope upward and forward.
To calm sorrow, reduce the horror of death, and the pain of parting;
and to create in us the desire to join that multitude when we depart this life
Note the Following Things about this Redeemed Multitude
1. THE PEOPLE OF THE REDEEMED
“A great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.”
It reminds us of the words of Jesus:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions” – John 14:2
Our hearts rejoice that the gospel of Christ is for all people of all nations of the earth…. the gospel is not bound by languages or customs or color.
It is for all people of all nations of the earth.
People of every nation can be saved on the terms of Christ and rejioce in eternal life by grace – through faith in Him.
Christ saves all who will believe, and they praise him in the dialect which they know. And they will join this redeemed multitude.
2. THE POSITION OF THE REDEEMED
“Stood before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Two thoughts are suggested here for our joy and hope.
“Before the throne and the Lamb.” suggest the sacred nearness to the Father and the Son.
The redeemed are before the Father and the Son and behold their glory – they look upon the blessed face of the Father and behold the sacred smile of the Saviour – How very near!
What joy to be so near!
It is all we need for peace, nobleness, blessedness, and immortality; the word “stood” suggests readiness for service.
We do not know all that the redeemed will do in glory but we read,
“Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night”.
(Revelations 7:15)
The parable of the pounds and talents show that the responsibilities of the faithful will be increased – if we are to be ready for this glorious service in the future life we should acquire ability and cultivate capacities while we are living on earth, for what life will be it is now.
3. THE PURITY OF THE REDEEMED – “Clothed with White Robes”
White is the heavenly color. It is not dead but lustrous…..
So the life of the redeemed is lustrous with purity and glory….
We read of the process through which these have been cleaned;
“They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:14).
This cleansing includes the making of character, pure white lustrous….
Christ has brought the means, and we have to employ them….
We trust Christ for pardon and accept Him for purifying.
4. THE PLEASURE OF THE REDEEMED
“Cried with a loud voice saying, salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb.”
While this emblem of the feast reminds us of retribution and repose, it also gives the idea of abundant supplies for all the desires and thirsts of the seeking soul…
When we shall stand there with palms in our hands, we shall know the deep and perpetual gladness of the soul.
This vision of the redeemed should lift Christians nearer to the Lord and inspire them to be more and more like Him…