Who are they, and where did they come from?
(Revelation 7:13).
This question is asked by one of the elders regarding the great
multitude that no one could count (v. 9). The writer wants his readers to
be aware that the path ahead is difficult, and for many will result in
martyrdom. The writer also wants his readers to know that they are not walking
this path alone.
Remember Elijah and his despair following the victory over
Baal’s prophets? He’d just experienced an incredible display of God’s power,
but one that reinvigorated Jezebel’s murderous hatred for him. He was on the
run, beyond burnout, and needed encouragement. He railed against God: I
have been very zealous for [you] . . . I am the only one left, and now they are
trying to kill me too (1 Kings 19:10). In other words, why have you left
me all alone? But God informed Elijah there were 7,000 others who remained
faithful. Elijah was by no means alone.
Likewise, God’s faithful under siege from Rome need some
assurance too. It’s tough enough to ask someone to suffer martyrdom, but it’s
even more difficult if that person thinks he (or she) is the only one making
the supreme sacrifice. The writer here encourages Believers: Stay strong.
There are more faithful than you can count, and they come from all nations,
tribes, peoples and languages. You are not alone.
The next time someone whispers in your ear, Everyone
else is doing it…
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Pray for strength to be
faithful in tough times, even if it seems you’re all alone. Consider that you
have brothers and sisters who are also holding true.
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