“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9 ESV).
In John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ, he was caught up into heaven’s throne room, where he witnessed the Lamb of God being worshiped. He heard the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sing a new song, saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” They sang of how He had redeemed believers out from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” by His own blood.
John saw a future time in heaven yet to come. Having laid down His life and risen from the grave, Jesus Christ commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19). When this task is complete, the end will come. As Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).
We have been given the wonderful honor and privilege of announcing the gospel of Jesus Christ to “every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” And one day soon, we will hear the singing that John heard.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we long for the day of Christ’s return. Yet we recognize that the commission the Lord Jesus has given us is not yet complete. Strengthen us for this calling to take the gospel to the nations until everyone has heard that Jesus saves. In Jesus’ name, amen.