Palm Sunday in Heaven
Today I had the opportunity to speak to one of the Loveland Rotary club’s. This is the largest Rotary Club in Loveland and is an active and growing club with visitors, new members and projects that impact the community and the world. My thanks to Jim Welker for inviting me and making the arrangements. I reported about my journey and recovery from West Nile Virus. I found that the club has several members who have contracted West Nile in the past but in the more common milder form.
It was interesting in visiting with some of these members after the meeting and learning that they still fight boughts of weakness. It seems that has been the case for me in the past week or so. However, I am still able to rely mostly on my walker to get around which I am thankful for.
Stephanie returns to Atlanta tomorrow. She and Debbie attended the Rotary presentation with me and many of the members made contact with them after the meeting. One of the highlights of Stephanie being here was her help to get us ready for the upcoming Christmas season. So here is the first picture of our Christmas tree with four of the six grandkids.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “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, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:8-10
The most notable feature of the Book of Revelation is the reoccurring anthems of worship and praise to the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in the imagery and breaking of the seals, blowing of the trumpets and pouring out of the bowls and their corresponding judgments. However, at a quick glance I found at least seven chapters that contain anthems of praise and worship to the Lord. When we look at what is “revealed” in Revelation we find that the activity of heaven and around God’s throne is all about worship.
One of the greatest events of praise, celebration and excitement during Jesus earthly ministry was when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to the multitudes waving palm branches, paving the road with their garments and shouting, “Hosanna, to the highest….” These shouts of “Lord save us!” took place as Jesus was destined for the cross within the week. By the next Sunday the women would be making their way to the tomb only to find that Jesus was alive and risen.
John on the Island of Patmos sees the throne of of God in heaven. As the curtain is pulled back it reveals not just Jews from Jerusalem, but a great multitude from every nation before the throne in white robes with palm branches! They are shouting with a loud voice, not “come save us” – but “Salvation belongs to our God…and to the Lamb!” Christ has accomplished the work of salvation for all people. It is finished! And the worship before the throne celebrates that finished work for all eternity. The elders around the throne join in by declaring, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (Rev. 7:12)
We have the opportunity to prepare for our glorious future. That happens when “righteous” people (the symbol of white clothing) worship Christ as King (palm branches) for bringing salvation to all who place their faith and trust in Him. I refer to palm “Sunday” in my title. I do so because everyday in heaven is the “Lord’s day!”