Soli Deo Gloria: Our Reward and Rest

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.(Revelation 7:16 ESV) In the most beautiful chapter of the Bible, John describes the angelic throne scene and the answer to all our prayers – the beatific state of the saints at rest. Today at International Lutheran Church we observe All Saints Day and remember the hope to which we have been called.

John’s Revelation is a unique and important message to the church here and now. This is a message for all of us. It is a message of hope and one of Gospel – good news as it focuses on the truth that our rest, our eternal state, is won for us. Chapter 7 especially highlights this vision as John sees the throne room of God and all those dressed in white robes. Their song joins in the hymns of the angels in giving glory and honor to God as they stand in His presence. The question, “Who are these dressed in white?” is answered in the truth of God’s grace and mercy to all humanity. They are the ones whose robes have been made white in the blood of the Lamb. They did not get there on their own or even by their merits or effort but only by the blood which was spilled for all. This is the good news of the reward that awaits us – it is not based on our effort or work but is a gift received in faith. Their rest, our rest, is won for us.

In fact, the effort and struggle that they have been through  - the great tribulation - is not something that won for themselves this reward, but its ending is also good news. They no longer suffer the daily onslaught of the body from within and without. No more hunger. No more thirst. They are satisfied and at rest. The inner pangs of this life and our struggle with our own flesh is done. Our sins are gone. They have been forgiven and there is no more satisfaction that is needed. In a similar way the onslaught that comes from the outside, too, is done. The devil can no longer molest us, and the world can no longer touch us. Our enemy and ancient foe is now silent. His blinding accusations cannot touch us in the shade that is our Jesus. He has suffered the brunt of all our sin on the cross and quenched its flaming dart.

This may present a problem for us who have been trained to gain our identity and sense of being in and through the struggles we go through. It might even seem somehow dull and without purpose to endlessly sing His praise who has freed us from our daily suffering. Yet, to be sure, their existence is not nullified nor diminished, and neither is ours in this state of rest. Our struggles do not in fact define our existence. Our existence is defined by who He is and what He has done for us. We are the people for whom His blood was shed, and His robe of righteousness was given. Our baptism now, above all things, defines who we are. We are a new creation in Him. Just as we were created to fulfill His will and purpose, so in our new state we are created for His eternal glory.

But this eternal glory is not something far off and distant but part of our new identity in Him. Even now we sing His praise. Even now we tell of His death and resurrection for us and all people. Even now we go into all the world, to every tribe and language, with the good news of His grace. Even as we gather at His Table, we gather with all the Saints both past, present, and future who gather here. Theirs and ours is the final realization of all our hopes – to see God face to face as He is. This is our reward won for us by the blood of the Lamb – our Reward and Rest. 

Pastor Carl