May 1 | Revelation 7:13-17

Terry Gustafson
7 days ago
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Cleansed and Clothed

By Terry Gustafson

As John is writing the words of this vision his hearers are in the midst of much persecution. This vision is not some theoretical exercise for his hearers. Many “had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” (6:9) Today’s verses are part of the vision that John has between the opening of the sixth seal (6:12) and the opening of the seventh seal (8:1). This interlude is John’s attempt to answer the question: “[W]ho can stand?” (6:17)

John sees a great multitude, so great that no one can number them. They come from every nation, peoples, and languages and they are standing before the throne and before the Lamb (7:9). And this great multitude is clothed in white and have palm branches in their hands. The white robes picture conquering and victory (6:11). Palm branches were also a symbol of victory (John 12:13).

What do we know about the great multitude in their white robes and palm branches?

They have come out of great tribulation. They have been tested and have suffered, but they maintained their witness. They have passed through great trouble and are on the other side.
Their robes are white because the blood of the Lamb has cleansed them. Their own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and rubbish (Philippians 3:8-9), but by faith they are clothed in Christ’s righteousness by His blood.
They serve God day and night in His temple. As we live our lives now in His service, so shall it be before the throne. We have one purpose now and forever.
They are protected by God. God’s people are hidden in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8; 36:7). Regardless of their trials and tribulations, He has been with them.
They will never hunger or thirst again or be subjected to scorching heat. Not only does God protect His people, He also provides for them all that they need. Compare this promise with that of Isaiah (Isaiah 49:10).
They will have the Lamb as their shepherd who will guide them to springs of living water. Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:1-18) and as living water (John 4:13-14; 7:37-38). The Lamb on the throne is the same Shepherd who walked the earth.
Their tears will be wiped away by God Himself. This promise is echoed in Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Until then there will be pain, tears, suffering, death, and mourning. But it is only for a moment.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the great multitude that John is looking at. I wonder if John could make out any of the individual faces. Whose faces are you seeing in that multitude? Would any of us recognize the faces of characters from Scripture in the crowd? Would we see the faces of family and friends who have gone before us? What a sight that must have been for John! And what a sight that will be for all who stand!

PRAYER

Repeat the following breath prayer throughout the day:

(Breathe in) Lamb of God, seated on the throne

(Breathe out) You have cleansed us and clothed us by Your blood

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TERRY GUSTAFSON

My wife, Mary, and I have been attending UALC for about 14 years. We have two grown daughters and one grandchild. I am a retired professor of chemistry at Ohio State, where I served many years as the faculty advisor to the IVCF graduate student chapter and as a member of the Faculty Christian Fellowship. I currently have the privilege of serving on the UALC Council.