September 20 Washed White

Revelation 7:13-14 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes, who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
 
ONE of the 24 elders asked and then answered the question, “These in white robes, who are they, and where did they come from?” The elder is using the method of a teacher who asks a question to get a student and class focused on the lesson to be spoken. The elder had John’s attention. John was ready to listen to him, and I hope we are, too. The elder’s answer affirms that Jesus is, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of he world.” (John 1:29)
    The uncountable multitude of Jesus’ church revealed in verses 4-12 are dressed in white. They wear the robes of salvation. No longer will they face the tribulation of opposition, sin and temptation. Their lives marked with struggles for the kingdom of God on earth are finished. Their lives in God’s heavenly kingdom has begun.
    Their salvation and eternal life is made possible because of Jesus. I know  this seems elementary teaching; we’ve heard this many, many times. But even that must be a reason to stop and consider the Lord God’s extraordinary grace. Joyfully know in your heart of the great salvation to be called a child of the Living God.
    How is it, though, that can blood wash robes white? It can do so in God’s power to renew even death to life. In Jesus, the Word with God in the beginning (see John 1:1-2) the Creator spoke a formless void into a beautiful earth and endless universe. The Father, Son and Spirit demonstrate throughout the Bible “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26b)  
    Recall that Jesus has called John into heaven to “show him what must take place after this.” (Revelation 4:1b) In God’s gracious plan, salvation must take place. The Bible is God’s redeeming story to cleanse our sins, so we will forever live in heaven’s holy perfection.
    Believe this and be saved. Know this and trumpet the good news to all who will listen.
 
Prayer: In thanksgiving and joy, I am eager to wear the white robe you have prepared for me, Jesus. Amen.