All Saints (Observed): First Reading, Revelation 7:9-17      

Revelation 7:9-17

The language that John, the beloved, uses at the beginning of chapter seven rings with the depth of so much of what he attempts to write elsewhere. Remember, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Consequently, you might imagine that he will struggle to put into words all that he is attempting to describe. Even so at the front door of the chapter.

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number …” (7:9a). That might not seem all that out of the ordinary. Most of us have been in large crowds of fellow humans, perhaps at a stadium, arena, or even gathered in a large sanctuary of a great church structure. But this is different. John is declaring a great truth concerning the fruit of the work of the Savior. John is simply saying, “There are so many that are saved. I belong to such a grand family.” He’s correct. He cannot number them. He cannot see their limits. John goes on to declare that the full company of saints, for that is what God has made them, come “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (v. 9b).

He describes them clothed in the gift of the very righteousness of Christ bowing before the Great Benefactor. All of them, from greatest to least, owe their very presence and membership in this crowd, to the Lamb upon the throne. His salvation has washed its way into every possible corner of the earth. Not a single language that will not be called upon to utter praise on that day. The saints are gathered. An open door provided and the welcome given. Behold, God’s family. Together. Always.