Revelation 7 opens with 4 angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds to prevent any wind from blowing. Can you imagine how still that would be? I love seeing the breeze blowing the branches of the trees; it’s comforting and reminds me of Holy Spirit moving. Another angel comes having the seal of the living God for those faithful to Him. 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.” V. 9-10.

The white robes were explained to John. These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. v. 14. In the commentary below: It is difficult to imagine how blood could make any cloth white, but the blood of Jesus Christ is the world’s greatest purifier because it removes the stain of sin. White symbolizes sinless perfection or holiness, which can be given to people only by the death of the sinless Lamb of God on our behalf. This is a picture of how we are saved through faith.

God longs for faithful hearts. As we turn to Him we begin to appreciate all He does for us. Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:10-12.

I used to be afraid when I read Revelation because I didn’t understand the love of God. It’s full of symbolism and fearful imagery but also warnings and admonishments that lead to life…that lead us to God who loves us and longs for our good. Can you honestly imagine sin being where God is? Can you imagine heaven or heaven brought to a new earth and sin thriving there? What would be the point? To go through a tribulation, any tribulation, and not have God there to guide us to His love and Holiness cannot be where darkness is. God is light. He is love. He is Holy. He saves us from that darkness we could not escape without Him.

And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. v. 15-17 (Isaiah 49:10; 25:8).

He shelters us with His presence. His love is so strong and true and faithful. We have His promises for us and darkness will not prevail…God’s love stands for eternity. I rejoice in His love and turn to Him for understanding of truths too wonderful for me to grasp without Him. He’s there. He loves you.