In Praise of God

Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Revelation 7:9-17 (The Message)

 ^9-12I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:

   Salvation to our God on his Throne!
   Salvation to the Lamb!
All who were standing around the Throne—Angels, Elders, Animals— fell on their faces before the Throne and worshiped God, singing:

   Oh, Yes!
   The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
   The honor and power and strength,
   To our God forever and ever and ever!
   Oh, Yes!

 ^13-14Just then one of the Elders addressed me: "Who are these dressed in white robes, and where did they come from?" Taken aback, I said, "O Sir, I have no idea—but you must know."
 ^14-17Then he told me, "These are those who come from the great tribulation, and they've washed their robes, scrubbed them clean in the blood of the Lamb. That's why they're standing before God's Throne. They serve him day and night in his Temple. The One on the Throne will pitch his tent there for them: no more hunger, no more thirst, no more scorching heat. The Lamb on the Throne will shepherd them, will lead them to spring waters of Life. And God will wipe every last tear from their eyes."

For Reflection
   Oh, Yes!
   The blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving,
   The honor and power and strength,
   To our God forever and ever and ever!
   Oh, Yes!
How often do you think of the saving grace of God and feel the passion and joy in thanksgiving that is reflected in these passages?  Believers have been scrubbed clean and anointed with the blood of the Lamb.

Pray.  Spend this day rejoicing in the love and charitable arms of God. Give thanks.  Sing, Dance, think beautiful thoughts.