Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

AN INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY

This entry was posted on 06-08-2009 and is filed under HEAVEN.

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands" (Rev. 7:9 NIV).

Heaven is home to the largest congregation in the world, the universe and the history of humanity. John describes it as a "great multitude." He says that no one can count the number of this vast congregation. So much, then, for those who say Heaven will be limited to a certain number of people (those who agree with their sect's teachings and practices). Heaven's congregation will be like the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore - innumerable.

But the aspect that appeals to me most in this passage is the inclusion of the nations. We are inclined to think that God has favored certain nations, like Israel or America, but here we learn that every nation, tribe, people and language will be represented in Heaven. Nearly every year I attend the National Missionary Convention where on the opening night they have the "parade of nations." The flags of more than 100 nations are carried into the convention hall by missionaries working in those countries. Imagine, then, the "parade of nations" in Heaven. The seed of the gospel is so effective and powerful that every nation, ancient or modern, where the gospel has gone will be represented in Heaven. The "white robes" represent the purity of the saved and the "palm branches" symbolize the victory they have gained, some at the cost of their lives as witnesses or martyrs for Christ. I imagine that in Heaven we will all speak the same language or at least be able to understand what others are saying. What a blessing! What a gathering! What an international assembly!

Prayer: Father, we are encouraged beyond words when we read a passage like this. What a day that will be! Help us now to reach more nations with the gospel so we can have a greater appreciation and longing to see our international brothers and sisters in the kingdom of Heaven. Through Christ we pray.