Revelation, the final book of the Bible, previews a future where multitudes from every nation, tribe, language and people stand before the throne of God in worship.

John (the author) uses this language throughout his writings. During the last days God will send two powerful witnesses to prophesy and proclaim his message. These witnesses will eventually be murdered and allowed to lie dead in the streets. Then, for three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. Folks will gloat and celebrate, even sending gifts to one another in mockery of God and his prophets.

This does not turn out well for the revelers, as the prophets come to life, ascend to heaven, and an earthquake rocks the city.

The Lord, however, refuses to give up on those who continue to reject him. John writes: Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Despite turning away again and again, the Lord pursues people from all over the world with his good news. Even the people who danced a jig over the bodies of the prophets heard from the Lord.

God is ever merciful. We’re approaching a day when men and women from every nation, tribe, language and people follow the Lord. The Christian faith spans the globe. But there’s still room for more. Let’s pray for the multitudes to continue to grow.

Revelation 7, 11 & 14 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Craig Whitehead

We tend to think of ancient peoples as lacking in scientific knowledge. In many ways they were. It’s only been in the last one hundred and sixty years, thanks initially to the experiments of Louis Pasteur, that scientists began to understand the role of bacteria and viruses in illness. The germ theory of disease improved our lives dramatically, yet lay undiscovered for thousands of years.

However, our ancestors excelled in the study of the heavens. Magi from the east observed a unique star and followed it for weeks to the home of the Christ-child. Job spoke in praise of God when he said, He suspends the earth over nothing. No flat-earther, Job understood our planet to be a sphere hanging in space.

Job next commented on weather phenomenon. He wraps up the waters in his clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight. When Job endured downpours he wondered, how does so much water float overhead? Perhaps you wondered the same while studying the water cycle at school?

As someone who earned a biology degree, I find these scientific references fascinating. Job observed and made mental notes. He saw the hand of God in nature, and realized the enormity of God’s power. He added, And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?

Magnificent sunrises and alluring moons dance on the outer fringe of God’s works. Enjoy his whisper. So much more remains undiscovered. Part of the adventure of following the Lord involves the process of exploration, of glimpsing the thunder of his power, and orienting ourselves toward his glory.

Job 26 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by The New York Public Library

King David experienced plenty of heinous people and nasty situations. As these turned his stomach, he stepped away again and again. Later in life he wrote:

I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

Today it’s easy to take in loads of vile. Foul ideas constantly present themselves. With the world wide web in full bloom, a 24/7 news cycle, and endless entertainment options, vile ain’t hard to find.

But I don’t have to participate. I can refuse to give even grudging acknowledge or implied approval to what the Scriptures consider repugnant, shameful, or dishonorable. I might not be able to stop it, but I can turn my back and move in healthier directions.

Psalm 101 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Asterfolio

Sometimes the wrong words just pop out. Like recently when a colleague older than myself asked how he was supposed to understand an interactive web page we developed. I replied (in front of a crowd), if you were 30 years younger it would come easily. Oops. Fortunately, my gracious coworker laughed in agreement. But I blurted out the comment without thought and apologized for my rudeness.

King David worried about his choice of words as well. He prayed, Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

I wonder if David had just said something hurtful to his colleague? Or replied with sarcasm to a well-meaning person in his service? As king, David heard bluster, wild stories, people bragging on themselves, outright lies and whispered accusations. He needed to hold his tongue as he sought wise decisions. Prone to rash behavior at times (think of Bathsheba in her bath), David learned the need to pause his speech.

David’s prayer is good for all of us. Maybe, just maybe, the Lord’s power can tame the tongue when nothing else works. Here’s my prayer today:

Lord, set a guard over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips. Help me keep an appropriately tight hold on my speech as I go through this day. Amen.

Psalm 141 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Joseph Corl