December 11, 2023 - Revelation 6-7

It is not all that unusual to hear about one of our missionaries who has run afoul of the authorities.  These situations, often, are for less than major things and the real danger is that of deportation and the loss of a visa.  One of my own students, from years past, found himself in this situation.  Many prayed for him, and he was able to report that things had settled down.  The authorities had put some restrictions on him, and he was able to work with the situation.  The Lord left him in place.  Surely, the Lord has a people in that place, and he intends to bring them to himself.

When I read today’s text, I always think about these sorts of situations.  A great day of wrath arrives but, as always, God has his people whom he saves, and these are found all over the world:    “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (7:9; also, 5:9-10).  From those tribes, from those people groups, in fact, in every place our missionaries are working, even under great duress, God has his people, and he will get them by the preaching of the gospel, and no governor or police official or any other authority or power will be able to stop God from gathering his people in.  What an encouragement!  And what joy will be ours as we gather in heaven with the saints from all ages!

Life eternal! Heav’n rejoices:

Jesus lives who once was dead.

Shout with joy, O deathless voices!

Child of God, lift up your head!

Life eternal! Oh, what wonders

crowd on faith: what joy unknown,

when amid earth’s closing thunders,

saints shall stand before the throne!   -- William J. Irons (1873)