All Nations Worshipping
‘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 before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”’ Revelation 7:9-12
Have you ever picked up a book and turned to the back to have a quick look as to how it ends? Or do you read a film review to see if the story is worth engaging with? People like to know if the story has a good ending. Is it worth reading or watching. This passage in Revelation gives us a window, a glimpse into the throne room of heaven at the climax of the age. It shows us the glorious end vision. A multitude too large to count, from every nation, tribe, people and language and they are all standing before the throne of God and before Jesus the lamb. The people are caught up in the most glorious worship service, adoring and praising God. They are dressed in white robes, having had their sins forgiven and now clothed in a righteousness bought for them at the cost of the very life of Christ. It’s a glorious and wonderful scene. A real picture, one that you and I have the potential to be in.
Life is really a battle of stories and this God story is unfolding before each of us. Even today we have a choice as to which story we live, which story we will believe, which story we will give our lives to. We are are surrounded by many voices all competing for our attention, our agreement and even our affection. But the Father has woven our individual stories into the fabric of his bigger story. Our small story only makes sense and takes on significance as it finds its place in the larger story of God.
As we begin this 21 day fast let me encourage you to quieten all other voices and set our ears and eyes on this end vision that is in the heart of the Father. Ask Him to make it real to you. Ask Him to show you the part you are to play in His big story. Fasting is a means of turning down the volume of other appetites. Prayer is a means of turning up the volume of God conversation. The Holy Spirit is your helper and will come alongside you over the next three weeks to strengthen and guide.
- Pastor Steve Uppal
Have you ever picked up a book and turned to the back to have a quick look as to how it ends? Or do you read a film review to see if the story is worth engaging with? People like to know if the story has a good ending. Is it worth reading or watching. This passage in Revelation gives us a window, a glimpse into the throne room of heaven at the climax of the age. It shows us the glorious end vision. A multitude too large to count, from every nation, tribe, people and language and they are all standing before the throne of God and before Jesus the lamb. The people are caught up in the most glorious worship service, adoring and praising God. They are dressed in white robes, having had their sins forgiven and now clothed in a righteousness bought for them at the cost of the very life of Christ. It’s a glorious and wonderful scene. A real picture, one that you and I have the potential to be in.
Life is really a battle of stories and this God story is unfolding before each of us. Even today we have a choice as to which story we live, which story we will believe, which story we will give our lives to. We are are surrounded by many voices all competing for our attention, our agreement and even our affection. But the Father has woven our individual stories into the fabric of his bigger story. Our small story only makes sense and takes on significance as it finds its place in the larger story of God.
As we begin this 21 day fast let me encourage you to quieten all other voices and set our ears and eyes on this end vision that is in the heart of the Father. Ask Him to make it real to you. Ask Him to show you the part you are to play in His big story. Fasting is a means of turning down the volume of other appetites. Prayer is a means of turning up the volume of God conversation. The Holy Spirit is your helper and will come alongside you over the next three weeks to strengthen and guide.
- Pastor Steve Uppal
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