Mtr Kelli Joyce

‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’

Dear Friends in Christ,

I love today's passage from the Revelation to John. John tells of a vision of "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb," gathered together in worship of the living God. John is told that "they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them."

I have no profound reflections to offer you about this passage, except to say that I find great comfort in it. The world is full of chaos, and seems so unpredictable so often. There is so much pain. Faithfully following Jesus can be so difficult.

But here is what we are promised: "They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Yes, we are called to live with faith and hope on earth, and to strive for the righteousness of the Kingdom of God. Yes, we are called to take up our crosses and follow Christ, even unto death. Yes, we are called to be willing to sacrifice for the sake of others and for the sake of God's will. But this is what we're promised - when all is said and done, Jesus will shelter us. Jesus will be our shepherd, and guide us to the water of life. We will be protected and provided for. We will be loved. And there will be no end. God will be all in all, and we will enjoy the glory of God's presence forever.

In peace,
Mtr Kelli