After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
This week something amazing happened. The Chicago Cubs won the World Series. I have been a Chicago Cubs fan my whole life. It was something I never thought would happen. It was something that seemed too good to be true. I had anticipated this day for so long. We came so close so many times, only to end in heartbreak.
It was 108 years since the Cubs had previously won a championship. There are generations of fans who have come and gone and never saw the Cubs win it all. How many tears were shed when the team finally won? How many thoughts turned to deceased parents and grandparents who were no longer here to share this day? I even saw one article where a fan listened to the last game at his father's gravesite.
On Friday, an estimated 5 million people gathered in Chicago to celebrate the championship. I am not sure how they counted that many people, but if that number is accurate it would be the 7th largest gathering in human history. People were amassed as far as the eye could see to get a glimpse of their heroes and to be a part of this historic day. People cheered. They sang. They cried tears of joy.
It all reminded me of an even greater celebration – The Championship of the Lamb!
The day before the Cubs won the World Series was All Saints Day. As great as the celebration in Chicago was last week, the celebration of the saints described in Revelation is even more incredible. It is a celebration of all the saints. The saints are all who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. The saints are from all nations and times. This is billions of people who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation. It will be the largest gathering ever for the greatest championship ever.
I have grandparents who missed out on the Cubs celebration. But the celebration of the Lamb's Championship is one that will not be missed by even a single saint. It makes me sad that Cleveland Indians had to lose. Their fans have waited 68 years since their last championship and missed out on the World Series Championship Celebration. But with Jesus' Championship every person who believes in Jesus will celebrate. No one will miss out.
We, the saints, will dance. We will sing. We will celebrate.
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