By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

From every tribe….

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“…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.”
Revelation 7:9b New International Version

Not long ago we received word at our church that there was a group of Ethiopian immigrants who had formed a house church and were looking for a place to worship.  We contacted their pastor and some of our leaders met with their leaders about  partnering together.  Both churches are praying about this great opportunity to follow Jesus together!

As I looked at the leaders of the two churches together, my mind went to the above passage where the Apostle John sees a view of heaven and all of God’s people gathered together in worship around the throne of God.  There were people from “every nation, tribe, people, and language”, all standing together praising God.  All those things that divide us on earth – language and culture and economies and education and family background – all of those things no longer matter.  All that matters is that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and that we can praise Him for all eternity.

All those things that matter so much in keeping us separate matter not at all to the Lord and Savior of the world.  Jesus came to save all people and when the Father looks at us, He doesn’t see black or white or Ethiopian or American, He see the righteousness of His Son that covers all our sins and gives us eternal life.

For our God loves you and me, not because we came from a certain family or because we have money or because we speak a certain language.  But He loves us for the sake of His Son who died for us.  That is why we will rejoice forever in heaven with Him.  That is why there is hope in a world that is divided and in conflict; because of Jesus who makes us all one. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado