I feel like I got a little taste of heaven yesterday. It was “International Day” at our church – a special day set aside to celebrate the diverse cultures, nations, and peoples represented in our church and community. Displays with traditional clothing, special items, and food filled the Great Hall. We freely sampled yummy dishes from India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, and more.
The food made my belly happy, but the service touched my spirit. Dozens of people holding the flag of their home country lined the front. Then as individuals from 15 different countries each shared John 3:16 in their heart language, my eyes filled with tears. At first I was surprised my reaction, then the Holy Spirit brought a passage from God’s Word to mind:
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10
Pastor Bruce’s message yesterday focused on the glorious truth that Jesus came for all people. He reminded us of the angel’s words to the shepherds the night Jesus was born:
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:9-11
Yes, at Christmas let’s remember that Jesus came for all people. But let’s also remember that Jesus came to die for all people:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18
Heaven will be a bit like “International Day.” People of all shapes, sizes, colors, languages, and cultures will fill the throne room to worship the King of Kings.
I don’t know what language we will speak in heaven, but there will be no language barrier. We will be one people. All brothers and sisters with the same God and Father. Praise Him!
Will you be part of the heavenly throng? If you’ve never made a decision to receive the gift of life Jesus offers, why not do it today? (Find out more)
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