The Great Multitude

Behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9

Certain Scriptures—Psalm 23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and John 11:1-44—comfort us in times of loss as if the Lord Himself were speaking to us. We seldom include Revelation 7:9-17 among those familiar passages, yet it, too, is full of encouragement for the grief stricken.

Revelation 7:9-17 describes those who will be redeemed and then martyred during the Great Tribulation, but much of what it says about them is true for all Christians in eternity. These heavenly saints are clothed in white, representing the righteousness of Christ. They celebrate before the throne with palm branches, representing joy. They sing with all their hearts, serving God day and night, free from hunger, thirst, heat, and care. God has been a shepherd leading them to living fountains and wiping away their tears.

It’s a scene of pure eternal victory, and if our dear ones could speak to us, they’d say, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:12).

Surely if there is rest and peace in following Him by faith on earth, there will be far more rest and peace when you see Him face to face.

J. C. RYLE