Read today’s texts first: Revelation 5-9
We will know we are getting close to the end when the gospel is heard & received in all nations! (Matt. 24:14)
When it comes to Bible interpretation, I agree with Alistair Begg, who said, “the main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things.” This basic rule of hermeneutics has helped me keep my head on straight every time I’ve read through this book.
I’ve studied the Revelation many times, read other books written about it, and even taught eschatology (doctrine of last things) to college students, and I can say this with certainty - we will not figure this book out completely until after the described events take place! That is true about most Bible prophecy. We can speculate, but never really know, whether to interpret the book or parts of it, literally or figuratively. The ones who think they know seem to drift into unhealthy extremes.
So I always read through the text fascinated by the imagery, excited about the second coming of Jesus, and inspired by the things that are obvious. In this passage one of those things is the gathering of nations, tribes, and language groups around the throne of God, united together in their worship of the Lamb (7:9-12). The words I love are “every” and “all.” The Great Commission of teaching “all nations” (Matthew 28:19) will be a success and the prophecy that the gospel will be preached “in all the world” (Matthew 24:14) will come true!
This has become my passion. It started when God spoke clearly to me while I was watching a performance of the Youth Ambassadors choir, which included my niece representing Canada (wearing a Mounties uniform sewn by my sister). With 50 nations represented, they sang “Love in any Language,” standing with their arms raised, hand in hand, in worship to the one true God. To me it was a picture of heaven on earth and I couldn’t control the tears.
Shortly after that, I wrote a paper called “Coming Together - Moving Toward International Integration in the Church,” helped organize a symposium of pastors who are leading multi-ethnic ministries, and joined a team of educators to create a training program for Intentionally Intercultural Churches (IIC). I think international and intercultural evangelism should grip the heart of every follower of Jesus because it grips His heart. “Lord, whatever You have for me to do in my remaining days on earth, let me be involved in bringing the good news of Jesus to the nations!”
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