I Want to Be in That Number
These in white robes-who are they, and where did they come from? …. 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. Therefore, ‘they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.’ (Revelation 7.13-15)
Look at all those people! Who are they and where did they come from? These are they who…
Have come out of the great tribulation. John, the author of Revelation, was imprisoned for his faith when he wrote this book, so he knew firsthand the reality of persecution under Nero. But - and this is so important! - he also knew that one day these trials would be over, and the saints of God would be gathered in heaven!
Have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Those who are worthy of that great audience before God are the ones who have confessed Jesus as their hope and their salvation. Their sins are washed away, and they have been given new life by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Are before the throne of God. That’s what heaven is about. Not streets of gold and gates of pearl. Not mansions of splendor and walls of jasper. We will be in the presence of Almighty God! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Serve God day and night in his temple. Heaven is not a place of resting on clouds and strumming harps. We will serve God. Day and night. It is our privilege to do this now, and heaven will be a continuation of our service to him here on earth.
Are under the tent of God. We already dwell under the tent of God. In heaven that tent will be without breach, and we will be perfectly protected from all harm. Thanks be to God for the shelter of his tent!
"When the saints go marchin' in, when the saints go marchin' in... O Lord, I want to be in that number when the saints go marchin' in!" Amen.