Daily Devotions
I think of the book of Revelation as a picture book. Every time you turn the page, there’s a new, interesting picture, full of meaning, but also full of symbols—and you have to puzzle out what is going on.
It’s like that with this passage, too. John sees people, so many people no one could count them, standing before God’s throne and celebrating. They are dressed in white and holding palm branches, a symbol for victory. And they are praising God.
Why? Not because they have to. This is not another boring church service carried out by people who are doing their imperfect best on earth. No, this is the day of God’s final victory, and every one of the people in this picture is there for one reason only—because Jesus their Savior, the Lamb of God, has brought them there. Because He gave Himself into death for their sakes, now they are forgiven, clean, and happy.
And of course they are celebrating, because this is the day they’ve waited for all their lives—the day when Jesus raises all His people from the dead, and we are united with Him forever. By the time this picture is taken, all our hopes have come true, and there is no more grief or crying or evil or death. We will never be away from Jesus again.
I say “we,” because if you trust in Jesus, you are in this picture, too. This is a family picture, the reunion of all God’s children, come together for the first time in perfect joy and happiness. This is our picture.
And none of us who trusts Him will be left out.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for making me part of Your family. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. What will you be happiest to leave behind when God makes everything new?
2. What do you look forward to the most about Jesus’ coming?
3. Christ has made you part of His family. What does this mean to you? Pray about it privately if you wish.