Global GospelSample

Every Nation, Every Tongue

BY CHRISSY PALMERLEE

“After this I looked, and 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 7:9)

In John’s vision in Revelation 7:9, we see a beautiful picture of worship before the throne of God. A multitude of humanity stands together united in pure adoration of God. In this picture, there is diversity and inclusion of language and culture and skin tone. What isn’t present is confusion, conflict, or hate. What isn’t present is people who all look like me, talk like me, or dream like me.

I find this passage incredibly inspiring and hopeful for the future God is creating. At the same time, this passage is incredibly discouraging for the current reality in which we live. And if I can be really honest with myself, it’s also really convicting. So often I wish people could just be a bit more like me—at the cost of being who God created them to be.

In my role with the Evangelical Covenant Church’s global ministry, I have the privilege to visit and be with global partners often. I have shared meals with those who lead entire denominations with thousands of followers and numerous churches, and simultaneously live in a refugee camp. I have heard the deep faith and trauma of those who are trapped in the commercial sex industry, where they must shelter their children under their bed while they are forced by traffickers to do their job. I have witnessed the generations-long faithfulness of global workers supporting and pastoring in churches in countries that are hostile to the gospel.

Throughout all of these visits and relationships, I am made more whole and more faithful in my discipleship. As I have the opportunity to get to know and be in relationship with people whose lives are drastically different from my own, it causes me to be more aware of the privileges I have, like the ability to travel and visit other places, the freedom to have a job that is fulfilling and supportive, and the freedom of education my children receive. These relationships call me to work and pray harder for these brothers and sisters who are so faithful in their own contexts.

I long for this diverse feast of worship in the future. I can only imagine the beautiful meal we will have together—full of the most delicious foods I have been treated to as I’ve traveled, including chilaquiles, fattoush, ramen, fresh fire-roasted fish, and dal. But even more inspiring is the worship we will be able to share across culture, gender, language, and all barriers that stand in our way now.

Reflection Questions

Can you imagine yourself in this Revelation 7:9 worship picture? What do you hear? What do you see? What do you smell? Who else do you see?

Prayer

God, we long for this future reality where all who love you will be united in worship. As you prayed, Jesus, we pray for your reign to come now on earth as it will in the future. Help us to be people who stand united at your throne in worship. Amen.