Amen

"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..." Revelation 7:9-10

What a beautiful sight! We were walking to the neighborhood park when in the distance we saw a multitude of colorful blow-ups in the green space! It was an Easter pop-up neighborhood party with a petting zoo, blow-ups, face-painting, concessions, and music in the park. There were families of every shape, size, country, and creed mixing everywhere with children running around gleefully. My grandsons jumped right in and soon made fast friends with another boy for a party of three running, jumping, playing and having fun together. No questions asked! They immediately accepted each other even though they were different in many ways.

Watching all the kids play together with ease with no judgment, no disdain for difference, no question as to who they were or where they came from – but instead complete acceptance as human beings – was a beautiful Easter gift. It was a joy to watch all the children play together peacefully, enjoying each other, and making up the rules as they created new games and helped each other along the way.

This beautiful sight at the park brought to mind the glorious vision St. John paints in Revelation of the great multitude from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb together in peace and grace. This is God’s vision for our world and for all people. We have a lot to learn from the children who already practice this vision naturally. When we will catch on? My prayer is that God will guide us into the beautiful sight of people appreciating each other for who they are and working together to bring peace and joy into our neighborhoods, cities, and world. It starts with us as people of God’s grace which is simply unconditional love. St. John painted the picture of unity where God wipes every tear from our eyes centuries ago. It’s time to start living it. Amen -- May it be so.

“Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!” (Revelation 7:12)

Pastor Andrea