Praise From The Great Crowd (Blessed Assurance)
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Revelation 7 and Psalm 128 (NIV)
(Jennifer Lee from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Revelation 7:9-10 (NLT)
OBSERVE:
These verses describe an uncountable multitude of people from every nation, tribe and language, clothed in white, standing before the throne of God and the Lamb, shouting their praises to the Lord.
APPLY:
Reading the news has been an increasingly unhappy endeavour for me in recent years. Even more than illness and natural disasters, it is the increasing division among the nations of the world and among peoples in the same society that has been the most distressing and depressing for me. It feels as though suspicion and doubt are now the most common default sentiments and the initial reaction to everything and to everyone. Unfortunately, this is also not an uncommon experience in my everyday life and in the marketplace. And yet, this verse reminds me again that there is still so much hope and joy in God’s kingdom to come – where everyone can still be saved and come together to praise and worship the Lord, regardless of whatever background, race, language or economic situation they are from. I recognize that salvation comes only from God and the Lamb and that God’s love, mercy, grace and salvation transcends all of these worldly and human divisions.
DO:
While these verses describe visions of things to come, I can already be like one of those robed in white. Saved and standing with others, I can shout His praise whether literally, or more often figuratively in service, action and daily thanksgiving, in the confidence of His kingdom. I can continue to recognise and be reminded that salvation comes from God, and not through our deeds I will continue to pray for fresh hope, rejoicing and assurance for myself and for everyone who needs to be reminded of this truth, whatever their situation.
PRAY:
Father God, thank You for the fresh hope and assurance today that although we will have trouble, You have already overcome the world. I pray for the reassurance of this fact and for Your peace to be upon me and everyone who needs this peace, hope and blessed assurance. Thank You, Father, for Your love, mercy and grace.
