by Rev Steve Nickodemus

They followed the Lamb.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:14

Row upon row they lie here, awaiting the Great Resurrection.  They have finished the fight. They have followed the Lamb. While they lived, they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Some lived many years, and some but a few.  Some were gifted in speaking, and others in the use of their hands.  Some were short, and some were tall.  Some came from one country, and others from another.  Some came to faith early, and others late.

What did they all have in common?  They all had been baptized in the blood of the Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who takes away the sin of the world.  They had all followed Him and called Him Lord.  When trouble came they did not fall away, but held fast in faith to the One who set them free from sin and who would carry them through death into eternity.

“For all the saints, who from their labors rest.
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed.
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed!
Alleluia!  Alleluia!”

So we too follow Him, for we have washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb. We too will live, and die, faithful to Him.  For us too, there will be the robe of His righteousness and the crown of His glory!

Lord, grant us faith to follow You, O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world! Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado