Reformation: First Reading, Revelation 14:6-7                    

Revelation 14:6-7

The Book of Revelation is about Jesus Christ. And by the fourteenth chapter we are well into that era known by the tag “the Tribulation.” The peoples harrassed on earth. Some with a heavenly trajectory secured by the very theme of today’s reading. Gospel, gospel everywhere. From just verses prior to our reading and through the short clip for this Sunday we see and hear the centrality of the Good News of God through both God’s people and Heavenly Heralds.

The world as we know it is soon to come to its close and God is declaring at the curtain call, the message of eternal life to be found completely and only in His Son. The gospel is for “those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (14:6). Judgment is coming and there is no escape except to be embraced by the crucified and risen Savior.

The Reformation is not the origin of the gospel. Most certainly not. But it did rediscover it to, as one of our Lutheran prayers puts it, “the joy and edification of Christ’s holy people.” I’m glad for all who hear and heed the gospel of Christ. Jesus is, too.