Learning from the Saints

Amid all the judgment and dread, this Sunday's reading from Revelation gives God's people a glimpse of the divine blessing that awaits them.  Four angels guard the four corners of the earth, protecting against destructive winds.  Judgment will not occur until God's people are "sealed".  Though God's people are persecuted now, they will be protected and vindicated by the end of this divine judgment.  John witnesses a great multitude of God's people standing before the throne of God where God will shelter them by his presence.  Prominent is the vision of a vast multitude "that no one could count."  This uncountable crowd is "from every nation, tribe, people and language."  Quite a universal, diverse gathering of saints!