“After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, [gathered out] of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb; they were attired in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9 ->me: Recap: The 144,000 are the elect out of Israel followed by the copious harvest from the Gentiles. I believe this is the throng John sees in his vision here (every nation, tribe, and people represented). The saved stand before God ‘perfect’ in the righteousness Christ supplies. White is the color of victory. Victory comes through the saving work of Jesus; so it is He Who supplies the white robe. When I am confronted with tyrants, persecution, sickness, pain, and grief, it is good to be reminded that final triumph comes through quiet trust in Christ. The Palm is a symbol of joy as well as triumph. The palm branch was used at the Feast of Tabernacles on the 15th day of the 7 month, when the Israelites kept feast to God in thanksgiving for the in-gathered fruits of the harvest. Here is could be to celebrate the completed gathering in at the harvest of the elect. Trying to imagine this scene is mind-boggling….the whole Church of Christ (from all time) assembled in one place. Its great to just bask in the knowledge that this is my future that John is given a glimpse of.
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