We are standing on the threshold of a brand new year. As 2011 gets underway with all its joys, challenges and opportunities, I find I am encouraged by a picture of how the story ends:
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands...
Revelation 7 v 9,10 sketches a moment in history yet to come. It speaks of a huge crowd standing before God's throne and before the Lamb. A vast crowd that no one can count, shouting aloud the truth and giving God the credit for it:
"Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
This ending is the 'good tidings of great joy' (Luke 2 v 10), the most joyful news ever announced, and most importantly, it is for everyone. Good news for every tribe, every nation, every people, every language. Let's begin 2011 with our focus on God's fame reaching the multitudes who have yet to hear. Let more join in the loud shouting knowing that they are saved by Him but also understanding that they are saved for Him.
