Fourth Wednesday of Easter

This evening’s text from Revelation is from the same vision that we visited about last week: the vision of the seven seals.

As the Lamb began to open the seals, John saw many of the horrible things in store for Christ’s flock on earth. There would be false christs, war, famine, and death (Rev. 6:1-8). Many of those who held to the Word of God would be killed for their confession, and would have to patiently wait for their blood to be avenged (Rev. 6:9-11). Finally, the great day of God’s wrath would come, causing many to hide in terror (Rev. 6:12-17).

As the Church of Christ here on earth watched John’s vision of this “great tribulation” (Rev. 7:14) be realized, they would have been tempted to wonder whether the Good Shepherd — Jesus — was keeping His promise. Was He keeping his flock safe? Were they going to receive eternal life?

Those questions are answered as John’s attention is directed away from earth and back to heaven and the heavenly sanctuary. Before God’s throne and before the Lamb was was a great multitude of people who have left this tribulation here on earth, and the multitude of people is too large to count. Though they came from every nation under heaven, they have one thing in common. Their robes are WHITE (Rev. 7:14). Their faith in Jesus has sustained them. The blood He shed on the cross has the power to wash them clean.

This book—Revelation—brings hope, because here we see firsthand that fulfilled works march victorious over empty words. We can see with our own eyes that when Christ Jesus—our Good Shepherd—speaks, His words are not empty, but they accomplish their intended purpose.

So this Revelation is meant for Christians of all time—including today—to encourage us amid the trials, tribulations, and persecutions we face today. Though we on earth can only see these eternal promises through eyes of faith, our Shepherd death and resurrection guarantee that we will one day see them with eyes of flesh and will stand victorious in the presence of God.

John saw this vision firsthand, but we see with the eyes of faith. And, what we see first is:

A Great Multitude

I saw people from all nations, tribes, and languages.

Here in this visible world, sin divides us—racism, rich versus poor, nation versus nation, brother from brother, original sin.

There in the realm we do not see, before the throne of the Lamb, stands a mass of people untouched by racism, sexism, nationalism, or any other “ism.”

They are clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands

Bold shall I stand in that great day,

Cleansed and redeemed, no debt to pay;

Fully absolved through these I am

From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

LSB 563: “Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness”).

We begin to experience that here on earth in our Baptism, when we are clothed with Christ.

We will experience it perfectly in heaven.

I saw all the angels, elders, and four living creatures surrounding the throne and worshiping God.

We look forward to that glorious day when we, too, will be numbered among those that great multitude.

But for now, as St. Paul put it, “We see in a mirror dimly” (1 Cor. 13:12), and yet heaven touches earth right now, in the Communion liturgy: “Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name” (LSB, p. 208).

John saw this vision firsthand, but we see with the eyes of faith. And, what we see first is:

An Elder who Spoke

Revelation 7:13-14 “13 One of the elders spoke to me and said, “These people dressed in white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” And I answered him, “Sir, you know.” 14 And he said to me: **These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

**Present participle — Christians are continually emerging from the great tribulation.

This tribulation was foretold by Daniel and reiterated by our Lord Jesus Himself Daniel 12:1 “There will be a time of distress that has not happened from the first time that there was a nation until that time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” Matthew 24:21 “For at that time there will be great distress, unlike any that has happened since the beginning of the world until now, and unlike any that will happen again.”

Jesus has reminded us that we will be hated by all because of Him. Brother will betray brother. All because we bear His name given when faith entered our hearts.

Other times tribulation comes upon us due to the affects of original sin.

I’ve heard about tribulations facing Christians of all times (Acts 14:22: “We must go through many tribulations on our way to the kingdom of God”).

John heard not about the suffering that people bring on themselves because of sin (1 Pet 4:15), but tribulations that are the result of faith.

This picture of eternal glory is for all Christians of all times as they experience whatever tribulations sorely test their faith and patience.

A Pastor of Tanya’s and mine, along with his family were persecuted without mercy for quite a long time. Why? For their confession of faith that Christ alone is sufficient, and they remained “faithful unto death” [Rev 2:10]. God protected and comforted them by reminding them that they, too, bear the cross of Christ, and that Christ Jesus “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” [v 14].)

John saw this vision firsthand, but we see with the eyes of faith. And, what we see first is:

Things that Defy Description

I saw God’s people before God’s throne.

I saw God sheltering them with his presence.

Because of what Jesus did for us (Jn 1:14: Jesus tented among us), God brings us into his tent.

God will remove hunger, thirst, and scorching heat.

I saw the Lamb who will be their Shepherd.

He will lead us to God.

God will wipe away every tear.

A wonderful home awaits God’s people. We may have trouble now, but it cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. In his vision,

John Saw and Heard That Christ Leads His Church Militant from Tribulation to Glory as His Church Triumphant.

I pray that this glorious vision of our heavenly home will move us to be faithful to the admonition to “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, always being ready to give an explanation to every who asks for the reason of the hope that is in you...” (1 Peter 3:15).