The Gift of a Diverse Gathering

Revelation 5

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By Artez Henderson

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Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

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Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that served delicious authentic food from a different country? Maybe you have dined at an incredible Mexican, Italian, Jamaican, or Japanese restaurant. It is very interesting how food can be a medium that draws together different people from different cultures around a shared experience. That delicious meal becomes the centerpiece of a dialogue that probably wouldn’t naturally happen otherwise. 

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In Revelation Chapter 5, the Apostle John describes a beautiful picture that will take place in heaven. It’s not, however, a mouthwatering meal that has brought this group of people together. It is the beautiful slain Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has drawn together a ransomed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. This picture is so overwhelming and so glorious to imagine. 

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What is the common denominator that has united these people together in this one place? The answer is obvious—the sacrificial Savior who came to save a people through His works and obedience on the cross. His blood is sufficient to reach people of all parts of the world, from all socioeconomic, educational, and racial backgrounds. The result is a gloriously diverse church universal, with saints who share a beautiful multitude of testimonies about the grace of God in their lives. 

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This marvelous picture will be fully realized when Jesus one day comes back for His people. And we may even get a small taste of that this holiday season! When we find ourselves feasting at a holiday potluck at school or work, maybe engaging someone whom we wouldn’t otherwise have crossed paths with, remember the gift of the Lord’s grace that would draw all kinds of people to Himself, who by faith are empowered to love one another and enjoy Him forever. 

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REFLECT:

• Can you remember a time when you engaged with someone of a different background or culture?
• In what ways was it challenging to communicate with him or her? 
• How does the image of a gloriously diverse church universal, one that includes saints from all backgrounds and walks of life, challenge certain aspects of our culture today?