Whence

"Who are they, and where'd they come from?" Revelation 7:13.

Good question. John doesn't know. So the old man tells him. This humongous crowd of people? They come from surviving the massive tragedy. They're from every nation, tribe, peoples, languages. Filthy clothes came out white after washing them in the blood of the Lamb. (Ever dip anything in blood?) And now they stand in front of God's throne. (The whole massive crowd!) They serve God 24/7 in God's temple. God, the one on the throne, his presence shelters them. No gnawing hunger ever again. Or parched thirst. Or overwhelming climate change. Why not? because the Lamb (yes, in the middle of the throne, too!) shepherds them to fresh, lively water. And God wipes away every single tear. That's who and whence.

Soiled souls washed in the blood of the Lamb, plunged into the water and pulled up out of that water. Died. with Jesus. Buried. with Jesus. Resurrected. with Jesus. With a brother or sister today, we set minds on lofty heights where Jesus is, seated at the right hand of God. We look through passing tragedies into eternity together. And give thanks.