Long-distance runners refer to a state of being called runner’s high. This condition is marked by a mild euphoria and temporary relief from the normal effects of running: heavy breathing and joint and muscle aches. It can be reached only through running a considerable distance. The exact amount depends on the runner, I suppose. More than likely, it is caused by the endorphins that are released through prolonged exercise. It is an escape from the normal strain of running, allowing the runner to continue his or her trek.
Although I enjoy running, I have never developed the endurance that would enable me to reach a runner’s high. I have only come close once. I was taking a break at a pastors’ conference. During the run, I was blessed with pleasent weather, and there was a nice, lilting rain. I did reach quite a mild euphoria and was able to run farther than I have ever before.
What Is the Theme in Revelation?
The predominant theme of the book of Revelation is endurance, followed closely by vindication. Revelation was written by John on the island of Patmos roughly 60 years after the ascension of Jesus Christ. It expresses hope for Christians suffering under Roman persecution, the ultimate destruction of Satan and his angels, and the final vindication and victory of Christians who have died for the faith. It is a call to remain faithful even unto death. These blessings are a consequence of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Digging Out the Greek Gems
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)
Like the English language, Greek employs a grammatical tense referred to as perfect. In English, “I eat” would be rendered “I have eaten” in the perfect tense. The phrase “clothed in white robes” in the verse above could be rendered “having been clothed in white robes.” More importantly, the perfect tense in Greek expresses a condition established in the past that continues into the future. In this case, the signif.icance is that the saints in heaven have received their white robes, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. They now stand holy, unblemished, and perfectly righteous before the throne of the Lamb. And their condition will and cannot be changed.
The Throne Room
Angels, elders, and the four living creatures are present in the throne room. The importance here is that all fall on their faces and worship the Lamb on the throne. The angels make sense enough. The elders, respected for their wisdom and experience in life, now submit and acknowledge the divine wisdom of God. This wisdom of God is demonstrated in sending Jesus Christ to be the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, as John the Baptist asserted. Revered and respected in life, the elders prostrate themselves before the Lord’s Christ. The four living creatures are the four Gospels. The significance is that in them we find Jesus. Although the meaning of the Lamb is discernable enough, Jesus Christ, there is a natural contrast between this weak prey animal and the throne of God. Yet the Lamb is not weak or passive. Rather, Jesus voluntarily obeyed the will of His Father in heaven. Our Savior took on human flesh and submitted Himself to humiliation, violence, and crucifixion. The Lamb was slaughtered, but by that slaughter, the sins of the world were redeemed.
Salvation Belongs to the Lord
These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (v. 14)
This verse may initially seem misleading. To state that saints washed their own robes white might suggest that they have worked out their own salvation or somehow cooperated with Jesus. While this interpretation tempts the prideful man, we are reminded, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (v. 10). The redemption of the world, the creation of faith by the Holy Spirit and sustenance of that faith unto death, remains the exclusive work of the triune God. The saints worship the Lamb with palm branches in their hands, taking us back to Palm Sunday, when the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with laud and honor.
Verse 17 reads, “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd.” The Lamb saves the sheep with His presence. Jesus was present with the people of first-century Palestine, teaching, healing, casting out demons, and raising the dead. He was even present with His enemies, condemning their sin but also praying for their salvation. The Lamb is present with us today. He shepherds the saints on earth through the Word and Sacraments. The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel message to bring Jesus to the sinner. Christ comes to the one who is baptized, washing sins away, granting everlasting life, and impressing God’s mark of eternal ownership. The blood that was poured out on the cross, the blood that covers the Lamb on the throne, is given in Holy Communion as we receive Jesus’ true body and blood. We are sustained unto death.
Present and Eternal Blessings
The themes of endurance, victory, and vindication. The victory belongs to the Lamb; and He passes this on to us. The comfort here for earthly saints, especially those who suffer persecution, is that the time of endurance will end. Satan, his angels, and all unbelievers will be shut into hell. When Jesus returns, faith will turn into sight. Vindication will come for those who have endured. Neither the cross or faith are in vain. We will be united with the saints in heaven and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
Scripture: ESV®.
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