The Christian and CultureSample

Day 5: The Glory of the Nations

In Leaf by Niggle, J.R.R. Tolkien tells the story of an artist named Niggle, who dreamed of creating a magnificent tree full of life and beauty. Yet his life was interrupted by countless obligations, and he managed to paint only a single leaf. Niggle died frustrated, believing he had failed to complete his vision. But in eternity, he beheld the Tree he had longed to paint—not unfinished, but whole and perfect. His single leaf had its place within something far greater.

This story illuminates the Christian understanding of Consummation. Often, our efforts feel fragmented or incomplete. Yet Scripture assures us that nothing done in Christ is ever lost. Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV). Consummation is the moment when all that is good, true, and beautiful will be fully restored.

In Revelation 7:9-10, John sees a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and the Lamb. Cultural diversity is not erased but celebrated. Revelation 21 tells us that “The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it” (Revelation 21:26, NIV). This means that genuine cultural expressions—art, symbols, knowledge, and national identities—carry eternal significance and will become part of everlasting worship. God does not erase cultural identities; He redeems them. What began at Pentecost will reach its fullness at the culmination of history.

If today we can only paint leaves, in eternity we will see the Tree. This hope reshapes how we engage with culture now. Every song composed, every scientific discovery, every simple act of service that seeks truth and justice is already a rehearsal for eternity. Consummation assures us that every act done in faith and love will find its rightful place in the New Creation.

Today, pray for vision to see your daily work as part of the grand masterpiece of God’s Kingdom. Pray that your talents and gifts, though limited and fragmented, may serve as leaves pointing toward the eternal Tree of the New Creation, where the glory of the nations will be offered to the Lamb.

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Note: This devotional was written by Medson Barreto, cofounder of Vitral Podcast, a Brazilian Christian initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue between faith and culture. We explore themes such as art, philosophy, theology, and society to equip Christians to engage culture with biblical depth. Watch a lecture in Portuguese on this topic on our YouTube channel .